HICKORY, N.C. — North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) suspended ABC permits at the Gateway Pub and Grill in Hickory on Friday, days after a police officer was shot twice in the nightclub's parking lot.
The restaurant has had a history of violent events, including shootings, fights and weapons violations over the last two years, according to ALE. The Hickory Police Department has been called to Gateway Pub and Grill more than 250 times since January 2022.
“The Gateway Pub has been and continues to be a place where violence and disorder occur on a regular basis,” Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer said. “The Gateway Pub has not only been a drain on our resources but also a place that threatens the safety of our community. This latest incident in which one of our officers was shot highlights a wanton disregard for public safety that must end.”
Just before 2 a.m. Sunday, Hickory police officers responded to multiple gunshots coming from an area near Gateway Pub, which is in southwest Hickory. Officers said they found an armed suspect and tried to take him into custody. A second armed suspect began firing at officers while they tried to arrest the first person, police said.
Another officer fired back and shot the armed suspect.
EMS was immediately contacted as officers began life saving measures for the injured officer and suspect.
The injured officer went to the hospital and is expected to recover.
The injured suspect was flown to Carolinas Medical Center. No word on their condition as of publication.
'We hope this suspension will prevent future acts of violence at this location and have a positive impact on this community,” ALE Director Bryan House said.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting. The officer who fired the gun has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.