NC officials cite self-defense in trooper shooting

MURPHY, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials say a Highway Patrol trooper shot a motorist in far western Cherokee County after a physical confrontation.

The state Department of Public Safety said the incident happened around 8 a.m. Monday after Trooper H. S. Robertson responded to a report of a suspicious person in a parked vehicle alongside U.S. Highway 64 about five miles east of the Tennessee state line.

The agency says when Robertson approached to speak with the motorist, he charged at the trooper and the two men grappled. Robertson fired.

State officials didn't describe the motorist, his injuries or identification. The agency says he was taken to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn., where his condition was unknown.

Robertson suffered minor injuries.

The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident.