Two deputies were killed and three other people, including a suspected gunman, were found dead after a lengthy standoff in North Carolina, a sheriff's office said Thursday. The Watauga County Sheriff's Office said Sgt. Chris Ward and K9 Deputy Logan Fox were dispatched to a home in Boone at 9:44am Wednesday after the homeowner and his family didn't report to work or answer telephone calls, per the AP. Both were hit by gunfire. Other officers were able to pull out Ward, who later died at a hospital. Fox died at the scene. "The individual suspected of killing the two officers is also suspected of killing two civilians in the residence," said the statement. The names of the civilians weren't released. A Boone police officer also was hit by gunfire during an initial attempt to rescue the deputies, but he was uninjured thanks to his protective equipment.
Morganton Department of Public Safety Maj. Ryan Lander said the suspect appeared to have killed himself. "This is an incredibly tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, as well as their families and our community," said Sheriff Len Hagaman. "I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state." The sheriff's office said officers from approximately 15 law enforcement agencies surrounded the home. Other people living nearby were evacuated or told to shelter in place as the standoff lasted throughout the day and Wednesday night.
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