Pubdate: Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Source: Sun News (SC)
Copyright: 2001 Sun Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://web.thesunnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987
Author: Helena Oliviero
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

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
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