A murder suspect is dead, and an officer is recovering from injuries after what officials called a “violent crime spree” in Union County over the weekend. 

   What You Need To Know

  • A "violent crime spree" unfolded in Union County over the weekend, and a murder suspect is dead, officials said

  • Eighteen-year-old Joshua Sikes led authorities on a chase while shooting at them and hit an officer with gunfire, the sheriff's office said

  • The officer was taken to a hospital and released. Authorities said Sikes ran from his vehicle and they found and shot him as he continued to shoot at law enforcement when they discovered him hiding in the woods 

  • Authorities believe Sikes was running from the murder scene of 23-year-old Alvin Parson, whose death remains under investigation

It all started about 1:45 a.m. Saturday when Monroe police officers tried to stop a vehicle they said seemed suspicious along Old Charlotte Highway, according to a news release from the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, 18-year-old Joshua Sikes, led deputies on a chase and started shooting at them and hit a police officer. She was taken to a hospital and released with an escort and is still recovering, officials said.  

“The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming. We are so appreciative for this outpouring of love! Please continue to pray for the injured officer and those involved as we move forward in the following days,” Monroe officials said.  

As deputies continued to chase Sikes, a large-scale manhunt got underway when he ran from his vehicle into a wooded area.

“Officers eventually located Sikes in the woods, where he was lying in wait and still armed. As officers approached, Sikes once again opened fire on law enforcement personnel, and he was fatally shot as a result of his actions,” authorities said in the release.

At about 6 a.m., hours after the chase started, Union County officers were called to a home on the 2000 block of Astoria Drive in Indian Trail after getting a 911 call that someone had been shot there. Deputies found 23-year-old Alvin Parson dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

“As detectives began their investigation into Parson’s death, evidence quickly connected Joshua Sikes to the homicide. Investigators believe that Sikes fatally shot Parson sometime before his encounter with Monroe Police but had not yet been identified as a suspect at the time of the earlier traffic stop and shooting,” officials said.

Officers said they believe that Sikes shot and killed Parson and ran from the scene, and they said they think Sikes was trying to avoid being arrested in connection with the killing when he encountered Monroe police and led them on a chase. This led “to the violent exchange that left one officer injured and Sikes dead,” according to officers.

The sheriff's office is still investigating Parson’s death, and the State Bureau of Investigations is looking into the shooting involving officers.

“Today’s tragic events are a stark and sobering reminder of the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers. ‘Routine’ law enforcement activity can turn violent in an instant, as demonstrated by the calculated actions of this suspect,” Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said.

“Our hearts go out to the family of Alvin Parson, whose life was senselessly taken, and to the brave Monroe Police officer who was injured while protecting our community. These acts of violence underscore the courage, training, and constant vigilance required of our law enforcement personnel, and their unwavering commitment to stand in defense of our citizens," the sheriff said.

“Some have reached out wanting to send cards or meals or know how to help — if you wish to do so, please send it in care of Lt. Morgan Malone (Public Information Officer) and it will be delivered to the officer as we are trying to respect her privacy," police said.

Authorities ask anyone with information related to either case to get in touch with the sheriff’s office at 704-283-3789, Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600 or the North Carolina SBI tip line at 1-800-334-3000. Authorities said both investigations are ongoing.