Arrests made in Greensboro police officer shooting

A Greensboro police officer was shot and killed Saturday in Colfax.

Sergeant Philip Dale Nix was with the department for 23 years.

At a press conference Saturday evening, Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said the off-duty officer was shot after intervening in a crime that was taking place at a Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road. 

Earlier on Saturday, multiple outlets were reporting a heavy police presence in the Colfax area in response to a shooting. An NC Blue Alert was sent out announcing that authorities were looking for two suspects, adding that there was an assault on a law enforcement officer.

Now three suspects have been arrested in connection with Sergeant Nix’s death. Charges range from first-degree murder to conspiracy to commit larceny. Officials say there could be additional charges made as the investigation continues.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan has condemned the shooting as a senseless act of violence, and on Saturday, Governor Roy Cooper offered his condolences and pledged state resources to find the suspects.