Hickory Police Shoot Knife-Wielding Man After Foot Chase

HICKORY — An officer-involved shooting in Hickory on Sunday morning left a 35-year-old man hospitalized and triggered an independent investigation by state authorities.

According to the Hickory Police Department, the incident occurred Sunday, February 8, 2026, around 9:35 a.m. An officer was seated in a marked patrol vehicle in the parking lot of El Paso Mexican Restaurant at 1709 N. Center St. when he observed a white male—later identified as Robert Mitchell Lester, 35, of Hickory—walking toward the patrol car holding a knife.

Police say the officer exited his vehicle and confronted Lester, who continued approaching in an aggressive manner and verbally challenged the officer. Additional officers arrived and repeatedly ordered Lester to drop the knife, but authorities say he refused to comply.

Lester then fled on foot toward St. Luke's United Methodist Church at 52 16th Avenue NW, where church members were arriving for services. A K-9 officer released a police dog in an attempt to apprehend Lester. Investigators say Lester attempted to stab the K-9 while continuing to run toward church property.

Officers continued the pursuit across the church grounds. As Lester and officers approached 16th Avenue NW, one officer fell to the ground. Police say Lester turned toward that officer while still holding the knife, at which point officers fired their weapons, striking Lester.

Lester was taken into custody, and officers immediately rendered first aid. He was transported to Carolinas Medical Center, where police say he remains in stable condition.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation.

Police say multiple charges are pending against Lester upon his release from the hospital.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department at (828) 328-5551 or Investigator Richard Helderman at (828) 261-2600, Ext. 2621