On Thursday, October 14, 2010, at 11:13 p.m., a Westover Division CMPD Officer responded to a disturbance call at 115 Hollyday Court in reference to a male subject outside his house cursing and honking his car horn. The 911 caller further stated that the male subject was armed with a handgun.
Upon arrival, CMPD Officer P. Howell encountered a lone subject on the lawn. The officer shined a light on the subject in order to illuminate the area. The officer saw that the subject was armed with a handgun and ordered the subject to drop the weapon. The subject then raised the handgun and fired multiple shots at the officer.
Fearing for his life, the officer immediately fired several rounds from his service pistol. The officer was not injured during the exchange of fire. After the exchange of gunfire, the suspect retreated back inside his residence creating a barricaded gunman situation. It was initially unknown as to whether any of the officers' rounds struck the suspect. A barricaded situation was declared which called for a response from the SWAT Team.
After several unsuccessful attempts to contact the suspect were made, SWAT personnel entered the residence, located the suspect and pronounced him deceased at approximately 1:50 a.m. No other subjects were found to be inside the residence. At this initial stage of the investigation, it appears that the suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his lower body. He has been identified as David Martin Sebaste.
Homicide Unit Detectives are processing the crime scene. An autopsy will be conducted by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office, who will determine the cause of death. Detectives with the Homicide Unit will conduct an investigation into the incident. Detectives with CMPD Internal Affairs will conduct a separate but parallel investigation into the incident to ensure that all department procedures and policies were followed.
Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to collect physical evidence and photograph the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Abbott is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
