Fallen Fayetteville officer identified
The Fayetteville police officer that was ambushed and executed by an armed man late Saturday night has been identified as Officer Stephen Carr. He’s been with the Fayetteville Police Department since April 2017. Officer Carr was assigned as a patrol officer, currently working in the Dickson street entertainment district.
Officer Carr was ambushed and executed while sitting in his patrol car in the back parking lot of the police station at 9:42 p.m. Saturday night while waiting for his partner, who was still inside.
Chief Mike Reynolds says officers inside the station heard shots fired, and ran outside to see an armed man behind the police station. Two officers, whose names have not been released, chased and fired at the suspect, identified as 35-year-old London T. Phillips of Fayetteville.
The officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the case is under investigation.
The Fayetteville Police Department has requested that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI to conduct an independent investigation.
Read the full press release below:
On Saturday, December 7, 2019 at approximately 9:42 PM, gunshots were heard behind the Fayetteville Police Department. Officers inside the police department immediately responded and heard additional gunshots. Officers located an armed suspect directly behind the police department, later identified as London T. Phillips 35 of Fayetteville. The armed suspect had a confrontation with officers resulting in the officers firing their weapons at the suspect. Directly following the shooting officers located Officer Stephen Carr shot inside his patrol vehicle, while parked at the police department.
Officers immediately rendered aid to both the officer and the suspect. At approximately 9:45PM, Fayetteville Fire Department and Central EMS arrived on scene and began life-saving efforts for both the officer and suspect. Both the wounded officer and suspect succumbed to their injuries and died at the scene.
Evidence shows that Officer Carr was ambushed and executed while sitting in his patrol vehicle. Preliminary investigation also shows that two officers, whose names will not be released at this time fired at the suspect. These officers have been placed on paid administrative leave in compliance with city and police department policy until the Chief of Police is able to review the findings of the investigation. The Fayetteville Police Department has requested that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) conduct an independent investigation. These are the details as we know them at this time. As more information comes to light we will make that available.
Officer Stephen Carr was hired at the Fayetteville Police Department in April of 2017. Officer Carr was assigned as a patrol officer, currently working in the Dickson Street entertainment district. He served our community with dedication and professionalism for the past 2 ½ years, he is a HERO. We would like to thank our community for their outpouring of support, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their quick response and assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Carr’s family during this tragic time.