Suicidal man shot by Johnston County deputies when he refused to drop guns, sheriff says
A man who was threatening to harm himself was shot by sheriff’s deputies Wednesday night after they said he would not drop his firearms, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
Deputies responded to a home on Bright Leaf Drive in Clayton around 9:30 p.m. after a family member called 911 about a suicidal relative, according to a news release.
In a second 911 call, the same family member reported the person was armed and threatening to shoot responding officers, the release stated.
The man ran into a field behind the home carrying multiple guns. Deputies tried to talk to him, but he would not obey their orders to drop the guns, the release stated.
Two deputies fired shots at the man. He was taken to WakeMed with what were described as serious but not life-threatening injuries.
The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation of the incident, and both deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release any additional information including the names of the man or the deputies.
We will update this story as we get more information. Please check back for updates.
If you or someone you are concerned about is at risk, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by texting or dialing 988. Or call 1-800-273-TALK. The National Alliance of Mental Illness North Carolina also offers virtual support groups and programming across the state.
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 11:28 AM.