*This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.*
The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina has reported five people dead after a standoff Wednesday in a Boone neighborhood.
NBC 12 reports that the incident happened at a home off of Hardaman Circle. Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home at around 9:40 a.m. for a welfare check after family members stopped returning calls and didn’t show up for work.
While entering the residence, the officers were met with gunfire from someone inside the home. Both officers have since been pronounced dead.
Another officer was hit by gunfire, but his helmet protected him from injury.
The suspect, along with the suspect’s mother and stepfather, was found dead inside the home, according to police. Authorities said that the suspect had been “shooting at law enforcement into the night,” Fox 8 reports, while barricaded inside the residence.
Our hearts go out to the Watauga County Sheriffs Department this morning as they deal with the tragic death Sgt. Chris Ward. “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down their life for their friends” pic.twitter.com/x2YaAlWtYO
— Lexington Police (@LexingtonPD_NC) April 29, 2021
“This is an incredibly tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved as well as their families and our community,” Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said after the shootings. “I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.”
So far, the identities of the deceased family have not been released.
“The individual suspected of killing the two officers is also suspected of killing two civilians in the residence,” the sheriff’s office said. “The names of the civilians are not being released at this time.”
The story continues to develop. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Here is our latest episode.
[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
