By Kaylee Greenlee
Five people died during a standoff on Wednesday in Boone, N.C., including two sheriff’s deputies and three others, the Associated Press reported.
Watauga County Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox were shot while responding to a residence after the homeowner and his family did not show up to work or answer phone calls. Fox died at the scene and officers transported Ward to a hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
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“The individual suspected of killing the two officers is also suspected of killing two civilians in the residence,” the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The suspected gunman, including his mother and stepfather, were found dead inside the home after a 13-hour standoff that ended around 11 p.m., WSOC-TV reported. (RELATED: REPORT: Armed Standoff, Police Raid Ends with Arrest of Former Deputy)
“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 is quoted as saying. “I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.”
An Appalachian State University and Boone police officer as well as a firefighter were shot at as they tried to retrieve Fox and Ward, Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said. The Boone officer’s Kevlar helmet was hit and no other casualties were reported.
The unnamed suspect barricaded himself in the residence and sporadically fired at law enforcement surrounding the home. Neighbors were either evacuated or instructed to shelter in place as officials from around 15 different law enforcement agencies surrounded the residence.
The shooter reportedly committed suicide, bringing the standoff to an end.
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