A New Hanover County, N.C. Sheriff's detective is recovering and is suspect is being sought following a shooting on Thursday in Creekwood.
Detective Michael Spencer was shot in the leg around noon near the 800 block of 30th Street near a public housing development, according to The Star-News.
Spencer was transported to a local hospital, underwent surgery and he is expected to recover.
Sheriff Ed McMahon told the newspaper that the detective's injury was "life-changing" but not "life-threatening."
The incident occurred after Spencer and another member of the Gang Task Force approached a suspicious male they saw exit a vehicle on Emory Street.
The man then disappeared behind the public housing buildings and when he saw the deputies following him, the man turned and opened fire. The officers returned fire, but it was unclear if the suspect was wounded.
The suspect fled the scene and a prompted a massive manhunt that included various law enforcement agencies from the area, along with the ATF and FBI. The driver of the vehicle the suspect exited was detained, and has since been release.
Sheriff's officials said the gunman is considered armed and dangerous and described him as being black, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 215 to 230 pounds and wearing a black hoodie, dark jeans and a knit cap.
Officer.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
