Police went to the Red Roof Inn in Hickory after getting a call about a man with methamphetamine and a gun at the motel. After investigating several rooms, police approached Matthew D. Saunders, 41, and another man who were standing outside a car that reportedly had a visible rifle in it. Saunders allegedly hit an officer and ran. The officers chased Saunders and then shocked him with a stun gun. Saunders struggled as police took him into custody, and then died.
Victim's Name: Matthew D. Saunders
Agency Responsible: Hickory Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 41
Race: White
Date of Death: February 18, 2020
County: Catawba
Cause of Death: Tasered
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun