Two Lenoir County sheriff’s deputies were shot Friday during an armed standoff at a residence near Pink Hill in southern Lenoir County, North Carolina. The suspect was also reportedly killed.
Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said the incident began between 11 and 11:20 a.m. in the 700 block of Jonestown Road, where a man was reportedly shooting at people passing by. Deputies arrived and were immediately fired upon by a white male, striking one deputy in the stomach.
Deputies returned fire, and the suspect retreated into a residence. Additional deputies arrived and ordered him to come out, but Rogers said the suspect fired again and struck another deputy.
Sheriff’s deputies then used 2 armored vehicles to breach the residence. A drone was sent inside and located the suspect in a bedroom. Rogers said the situation was under control and there was no longer a danger to the public.
Both deputies were taken to hospitals in Greenville. One was undergoing surgery, while their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Rogers said only one person was involved in the shooting and the entire standoff lasted a little over an hour.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said earlier that it was responding to Jonestown Road after receiving reports that deputies had been shot. The agency asked the public to avoid the area while the scene was active.
The identities of the deputies have not been released. Further details about the suspect, including his identity and what led to the shooting, were not immediately available.
The investigation remains ongoing.