Police killings
2013-2020

Matthew D. Saunders

Male, White

Date of the incident: 2/18/2020

Hickory, Catawba, NC
1184 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE

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.