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Shooting of FBI Task Force member being investigated as possible friendly fire

An FBI task force was executing a search warrant on Oakburn Drive when the officer was shot.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sources told WCNC NBC Charlotte Monday investigators are investigating the wounding of an FBI Task Force officer in north Charlotte Friday as a possible case of friendly fire.

The unidentified Gastonia police officer was shot while working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Streets Task Force, who were executing a search warrant for Larry McConneyhead

Around 6 a.m., officers were outside a home, located at 4515 Oakburn Drive, when they attempted to apprehend McConneyhead, who was rolling his trash can to the curb, according to documents obtained by WCNC NBC Charlotte.

McConneyhead retreated to his garage, according to the documents. Inside the garage, officers found McConneyhead, who was "point a handgun at the law enforcement team," the documents said.

One of the team members shouted, "Gun!," according to the documents. Several shots were fired.

Investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation are trying to determine if a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer fired the shot that injured the Gastonia Police officer, sources told WCNC's Rad Berky.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said Friday Officer Heather Loveridge fired her weapon during the incident. She was placed on administrative leave, which the department said is standard procedure after a shooting.

Video obtained by WCNC NBC Charlotte showed officers entering the garage.

According to sources, the CMPD officer was not part of the task force but was one of two uniformed CMPD officers who were called to assist the task force as needed. 

The injured officer was taken to an area hospital. Following a second surgery, the officer's condition was considered to be stable, WCNC's Brandon Goldner reported.

Larry McConneyhead, 37, had been arrested on federal charges related to drug charges. He has not been charged in connection with the shooting injury of the officer.

"We're very thankful they aren't life-threatening wounds," said John Strong, Special Agent with the FBI. "That's not to say they aren't serious, but we're thankful he's still going to be with us."

The FBI said the group executing the warrant was made up of a federal agent, two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers and several officers from the Gastonia Police Department

The State Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and CMPD internal affairs are conducting investigations.

According to Strong, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force is a partnership between federal agents and local law enforcement. It was established in Charlotte in December of 2017. Then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the formation of the task force. It focuses primarily on gangs, bank robberies, and organized crime. 

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