Gunman Who Killed Mooresville Officer Before Himself Identified

MOORESVILLE, NC — The suspect who police said is believed to be behind the fatal shooting of a Mooresville police officer during a traffic stop Saturday night has been identified, according to Mooresville Police Department.

According to MPD, Michael Yovany Aldana, 28, of Mooresville shot K9 Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon, 32, during what police described as a “routine traffic stop” along West Plaza Drive around 10 p.m. May 4.

"The suspect in the shooting fled the scene and was later located in a nearby apartment," MPD said. "Once police entered the residence, the suspect was confirmed dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

“We’re angry. We’re hurt. We’re sad,” Mooresville Police Chief Damon Williams said during a press conference, The Charlotte Observer reported. “You can’t prepare for what we’re experiencing emotionally.”

Sheldon was transported to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte but was later pronounced dead from his injuries. He had served with MPD for six years.

MPD has launched an investigation into the incident and said state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting.

RELATED: Mooresville K-9 Officer Shot, Killed During Routine Traffic Stop

A temporary memorial has been set up in front of the police department, located at 750 West Iredell Avenue, where members of the community may leave flowers. “We’re very grateful for the support we’ve been shown during this difficult time,” MPD said on its Facebook page. “Thank you to everyone who has stopped by and paid their respects.”