Two deputies and three others, including a suspected gunman, were killed in an hourslong armed standoff in northwestern North Carolina.
The roughly 13-hour standoff began after deputies responded to a Watauga County home near Boone on Wednesday morning around 9:44 a.m. for a welfare check after the homeowner did not report for work or respond to telephone calls, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. After seeing the residents' cars parked outside, the deputies entered the home, where an unknown person began shooting at them, striking both deputies.
“The individual suspected of killing the two officers is also suspected of killing two civilians in the residence. The names of the civilians are not being released at this time,” the statement from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office said.
ONE DEAD AND FOUR INJURED, INCLUDING 3-MONTH-OLD, AT VIRGINIA APARTMENT COMPLEX SHOOTING
The standoff ended shortly before 11 p.m. According to multiple preliminary reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, appeared to have committed suicide. The Washington Examiner could not immediately confirm the suspect's death.
During the standoff, the suspect periodically fired at police, CNN reported.
Sgt. Chris Ward died from gunshot wounds after being airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee. The second deputy, K-9 Deputy Logan Fox, died at the scene. Another officer was hit by gunfire during the initial rescue attempt, though his protective equipment saved him, according to the sheriff's office.
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“This is an incredibly tragic situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved as well as their families and our community,” Sheriff Len Hagaman said. “I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.”
