Two North Carolina deputies shot dead by gunman suspected of killing parents
04/29/2021 23:50
(Reuters) - Two sheriff s deputies were shot dead by a gunman suspected of killing his parents at their home in North Carolina s Blue Ridge Mountains, authorities said on Thursday.
The 32-year-old suspect, Isaac Alton Barnes, later died of a self-inflicted gun wound, local media reported.
During a 13-hour standoff between law enforcement and the suspect on Wednesday at the house in the town of Boone, a third police officer was hit by gunfire but his ballistic helmet protected him and he was uninjured, the Watauga County Sheriff s Office said in a statement.
By Brian Mudd
Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Fallen Police Officers
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who ve paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the effort of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. Officer involved shooting deaths are 35% below average, however line-of-duty deaths have reached record levels. The facts simply don’t meet the anti-police narrative. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
Triad law enforcement react to the stand-off that left 5 people dead including 2 deputies
The Watauga County deputies were responding to a welfare check at the home in Boone when a gunman opened fire. Author: Adaure Achumba Updated: 9:38 AM EDT April 30, 2021
WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. The Watauga County Sheriff s Office has released the names of the suspect and the other victims in Wednesday s stand-off. Investigators said 61-year-old Michelle Ligon and 58-year-old George Ligon were the mother and stepfather of the suspected gunman, Isaac Barnes. Mrs. Ligon worked for the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority.
Authorities said Barnes shot the couple along with two Watauga County deputies. The deputies were responding to do a welfare check at the home on Hardaman Circle after co-workers said the homeowner hadn t shown up to work and was not picking phone calls.
WCCB Charlotte s CW
April 29, 2021
The Latest:
Police remain at the scene of a fatal shooting in Watauga County as the shooter, responsible for the death of one deputy and the injury of another deputy, remains active.
Police say the suspect is periodically firing rounds in the direction of officers, while barricading in a section of the home.
Authorities say one officer, Sergeant Chris Ward, died after being flown to a local hospital for injuries he received in the fatal shooting, and one other officer injured in the shooting, K9 Deputy Logan Fox, remains on the scene. His condition remains unknown.
WCSO shooting Incident timeline
The following is a timeline of the incident occurring that occurred on Wednesday, April 28, responded to by Watauga County Sheriff s Office and numerous agencies across the region and state.
Thursday, April 29
4:12 p.m.: The Watauga County Sheriff s Office revealed the individual suspected of killing Sgt. Chris Ward and Dep. Logan Fox was Isaac Alton Barnes, 32. Barnes is also believed to have killed Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and George Wyatt Ligon, 58, both of 553 Hardaman Circle in Boone. Barnes, who was son and stepson of the deceased civilians, died at the scene.
3:03 p.m.: Deputy Logan Fox s K9 Raven was confirmed to be safe by WCSO Major Kelly Redmon. Redmon said Raven was brought along with Fox, but stayed in the car and was unharmed.