OFFICER, SHOT THREE TIMES, RECOVERING

Brunswick County (N.C.) Sheriff Ronald Hewett called the narcotics officer
who was recently shot a "rising star" and said he was part of an elite
group at the sheriff's department.

Brunswick County narcotics officer Stephen Lanier, 22, was shot Friday
night in an exchange of gunfire with suspects during an attempted drug
search and seizure at a house in Winnabow, N.C.

"We walk by Stephen's desk every day," Hewett said. "We feel a void and a
vacancy."

Hewett said Lanier, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot three
times - once in his neck and twice in his hands.

Hewett said Lanier's condition has improved to satisfactory. He said Lanier
is out of intensive care, but faces extensive treatment to recover from the
wounds.

Hewett said narcotics officers were responding to complaints of drug
activity at the residence, where marijuana and cocaine were found.

Lanier was hired two years ago as a uniformed patrol officer and quickly
rose through the ranks. He was promoted to narcotics officer in June. He
also made the Emergency Response Team, which Hewett said is rare for an
officer who has only been in the department for two years.

Hewett said Lanier was the first narcotics officer to enter the Winnabow
residence and was shot by a suspect who was hiding in the bathroom.

Hewett said Lanier, who was carrying a search warrant, announced himself
before entering the residence.

The man suspected of shooting Lanier has not been charged because he
remains in serious condition at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He
will face charges if his condition improves, Hewett said.

A second man in the house, Atari Lavar Thomas, broke through the window and
started firing at about four officers outside, Hewett said. No other
officers were shot.

Thomas, who was shot by narcotic officers, ran and then barged into a
house, Hewett said. The man who lived there called 911.

Thomas, who was treated and released from the hospital, is being held at
Brunswick County Detention Center on charges of attempted murder, assault
on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest