Emergency services respond to a police-related shooting incident outside Tavern 51 in Pineville.
A police officer shot and killed a 24-year-old man, Colton Floren, outside Tavern 51 in Pineville, NC, on January 11, 2025, following a reported threat involving a firearm. Investigations are underway following the incident, which marks the second police-related shooting in the area within a year. The emotional impact on the community is significant as residents seek answers.
In a shocking turn of events, the small town of Pineville, North Carolina, recently experienced a serious incident of police action that left one suspect dead. On Saturday, January 11, 2025, a police officer shot and killed a 24-year-old man named Colton Floren just outside Tavern 51, a popular local bar.
The clock was ticking towards 3:45 p.m. when this unsettling scene unfolded in the parking lot of the Tower Place Festival shopping center, conveniently nestled off Pineville-Matthews Road near Park Road. It all began when someone made a 911 call, reporting that a man inside Tavern 51 had brandished a handgun and issued threats to others present. The caller had serious concerns, suggesting that the suspect may have also been carrying two more firearms.
When the Pineville police arrived on the scene, they quickly located Floren in the parking lot, apparently still in a heated state. The situations of these calls are never straightforward, and this was no different. The officer shouted as many as 13 commands at Floren, but sadly, he didn’t comply. This lack of response raised alarms, and in a tense moment, Floren allegedly began to approach the officer and made a sudden movement. This startled the officer, who felt threatened and responded by firing his weapon.
Colton Floren was struck by the gunfire and quickly transported by paramedics to Atrium Main Hospital. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving. Fortunately, the officer involved in this altercation was unharmed, but the emotional toll of such a confrontation is never easy.
Following the incident, investigations were promptly launched. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation took charge of the criminal investigation, while the Pineville Police Department initiated its own internal affairs investigation. Investigators will be reviewing every detail of this unfortunate event, including audio recordings of the 911 call and police communications that were released on January 13, 2025. This will hopefully provide clarity on what led up to the tragic shooting.
This incident isn’t the first police-related shooting in Pineville in recent months. It marks the second such event in less than a year, following a similar situation back in May 2024. Inquiries into the welfare of the community and how these events affect its spirit are bound to arise.
Witnesses at the scene noted that they heard multiple shots fired during the altercation. Eyewitnesses reported that Floren appeared to be “drunk out of his mind,” which adds another layer of complexity to the series of events. Alarmingly, the earlier confrontation inside the bar escalated quickly, with surveillance footage capturing the moments leading up to the tragic encounter outside.
In the aftermath of this incident, it’s standard procedure that the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay while investigations proceed. This allows for a thorough review of the actions taken during the incident and reassures the community that accountability is being prioritized.
As Pineville processes the aftermath of this alarming incident, residents are left to reflect on their safety and the ongoing challenges within their community. The upcoming days may yield more information, but for now, the town is in mourning and searching for answers.
Pineville Police Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting Outside Tavern 51
Pineville Officer Involved in Second Shooting Incident
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