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Suspect dead after opening fire, running from officers in Caldwell County

Officers tracked 28-year-old Kentrey Marquis Witherspoon to Shasta Dr. in the Joyceton Community of Lenoir on Thursday afternoon.

HUDSON, N.C. — A man who was wanted for opening fire on law enforcement officers in Caldwell County is dead, officials said.

Officers tracked 28-year-old Kentrey Marquis Witherspoon to Shasta Dr. in the Joyceton Community of Lenoir on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities said he fired at officers and ran to Kincaid Plant 6 at 2644 Norwood St. The plant was evacuated.

"After a lengthy period of negotiations with the suspect, the negotiations failed and the suspect was engaged by the U.S. Marshals; the suspect is deceased," officials said.

Early Thursday morning, officers with the Hudson Police Department said they were conducting a traffic stop near the intersection of Optimist Ave and Main Street when Witherspoon opened fire and ran from the scene. 

No one was hurt. It was not immediately known what lead up to the traffic stop.

The U.S. Marshal’s Office and Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the apprehension of Witherspoon. He was previously convicted for charges including robbery, larceny, and possession of a firearm by a felon. 

Area roads were closed during the investigation. 

"We want to thank citizens for their cooperation," Sheriff Alan Jones told NBC Charlotte earlier Thursday. "We are working closely with Hudson Police as well as state and federal officials to locate the suspect."

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 758-8300, or the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 759-1526. 

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