1 killed, two hurt in officer-involved shooting

Office fired, but officials unsure whose bullet killed Paul Vang

May 2, 2008

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

The man killed in a triple shooting in the parking lot of a Hickory shopping center Wednesday night shot his wife and her male companion, police said.

A Hickory police officer shot at Paul Vang, but police said it was not certain the officer's bullet killed the Conover man.

Hickory police said Vang shot his wife and another man before officers arrived at the Gateway Plaza on U.S. 70.

Officer Jonathan Barnes was the first to arrive, authorities said, and saw a man holding a handgun and standing over a woman.

Barnes ordered the man, later identified as Vang, to drop his weapon, police said. Capt. Clyde Deal said Vang ignored the officer's commands and fired shots in Barnes' direction.

Barnes also fired, but it was not clear which man fired first, police said. Police would not say how many times Barnes fired. A press release from the department said Vang died at the hospital from gunshot wounds.

Deal said police are also looking into the possibility that Vang turned the gun on himself. An autopsy would determine that, Deal said. That could take several days.

Barnes, who has been with the Hickory police for more than two years, was not injured.

Police said they believe Vang shot his wife, 37-year-old Sandy Vang, and the man with her, 27-year-old Xao Vue.

Sandy Vang, shot in the lower body, was in fair condition Thursday morning at Carolinas Medical Center. Vue, shot in the head, was in critical condition at Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, police said.

Authorities Thursday were still trying to piece together exactly what led to the shootings, which happened outside Jason's Deli and Barnes & Noble. Both businesses were still open when the shots were fired.

Barnes has been put on administrative leave with pay, which is the department's policy when an officer shoots someone. The State Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the shooting.


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