Off-Duty Lexington Police Officer Killed in Shooting; SBI Investigating

LEXINGTON, N.C. — An off-duty Lexington police officer was killed in a shooting Wednesday night, and state agents are investigating, officials said.

Officer Kaitlin Crook was shot shortly after 9 p.m. on Dec. 17. Lexington police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired. First responders arrived within minutes and attempted life-saving measures. Crook was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men were also found with gunshot wounds.

Zachary Rogers, an off-duty Lexington firefighter and Crook’s estranged husband, was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Investigators recovered a handgun believed to belong to him at the scene.

Joshua Moore, a Thomasville resident identified by police as Crook’s current boyfriend, was also wounded. He is in stable condition and expected to recover. A handgun believed to be his was also recovered.

Police said Crook and Rogers were off duty at the time of the shooting. Authorities said all three individuals knew each other and investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

Lexington Police Chief Robby Rummage requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to lead the case. The investigation remains ongoing.

“There are no words that can adequately capture the weight of what so many people are feeling,” Rummage said. “Losing a police officer is every chief’s worst nightmare.”

Lexington Fire Chief Michael R. Tofano called the incident a profound tragedy affecting the city’s public safety community and employees.

Both the Lexington Police Department and Lexington Fire Department have made counseling and support services available to staff.

Officials said additional details will be released once the NCSBI completes its investigation. Authorities asked the community for patience and prayers during the process.