2 NC Deputies Among 5 Dead Following 13-Hour Standoff

BOONE, NC — Two Watauga County sheriff's deputies conducting a welfare check Wednesday were among five people killed during a 13-hour armed standoff in Boone, North Carolina.

Early Thursday morning, authorities reported that the suspect who opened fire on the officers was also dead, WGHP reported.

Deputies from the Watauga County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the home on Hardaman Circle shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday morning to conduct the welfare check after members of the family living in the home had not reported to work or answered calls. When they arrived at the home, deputies found all the family member vehicles on the property.

The deputies were shot as they entered the home. The suspect then barricaded himself in the residence, periodically shooting at officers throughout the day, the station reported.

The deputies killed were identified as Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox.

A third officer was also shot, but was not injured due to protective equipment, WBTV reported.

The standoff prompted Watauga County Emergency Servies to issue a shelter-in-place warning for residents in the area around the home on Hardaman Circle. "Law enforcement is on scene in area," the alert said. "All residents remain in your home with doors and windows closed."

Thursday morning, the sheriff's office confirmed that the suspect was also believed to have killed two others in the home before killing himself, WYFF said.

“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, WYFF reported. “I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.”