Man killed in shootout with Halifax deputies

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — Halifax County deputies shot and killed a man in Roanoke Rapids on Friday morning after he opened fire as the deputies tried to serve a search warrant for drugs.

The man's name was not released. The shooting happened shortly before 8 a.m. at a mobile home on Straight Road. One other man was inside. He was not injured, but has been detained.

Drug Agent Anzell Harris and Detective Investigator Herbert Williams went to the home in response to possible drug activity, according to Chief Deputy Wes Tripp. A man shot at the deputies, who returned fire, killing him.

"We handle all search warrants at a high risk. Just the mere fact that it is a search warrant for a resident," Tripp said.

Neighbors gathered outside the mobile home shortly after the shooting. Cathy Pierce said she didn't know the man who was killed but occasionally saw him walking his dog.

"He seemed to be a pretty nice person," she said.

The State Bureau of Investigation was brought in to help investigate. The two investigators involved were both put on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.

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> Are you really defending a criminal here that pulled out a gun and started shooting at police because they were trying to serve a warrant?

Are you really defending for cops to break in with assault weapons pointed instead of knocking? Is that how YOU would want a warrant served on YOURSELF? Don't say you're innocent and therefore you could never possibly become a suspect. Suspects are presumably innocent.

>If you are a calm person and open the door when asked, they will show you the warrant.

THE COPS BREAK IN, there is no "asking" and "opening". I oppose this policy because it is an initiation of violence.

renaissancemon
January 22, 2013 8:44 a.m.

>> How are you supposed to know they are not just SAYING they have a warrant?

> Soooo, your advice is to open fire first?

No my advice is not to initiate violence. The cops initiated violence if they broke in with rifles pointed. That breaking and entering, and assault with deadly weapons.

> Why don't you become a LEO and walk down a warrant while underfire.

Retaliation against an initiation of violence can be defensible. That is why it is crucial to recognize if the police initiated the violence.

Incidentally I served in the army. But even if I'm not brave, cops are paid to be brave. They used to be brave enough to presume innocence by knocking instead of breaking in. I want to go back to that policy.

Now that I've answered your question are you going to answer mine?

renaissancemon
January 22, 2013 8:38 a.m.

"Since it has been proven by FBI stats that rifles are used in just 3% of violent crime, there is a 97% chance that he was not using a rifle of any kind."

It doesn't work like that.

Plenty Coups
January 18, 2013 7:22 p.m.

if someone comes and kicks in your door at 5 in the morning, whats the first thing running through your mind?someone's trying to rob me....as American's we have a right to protect our homes...if this dude had known they were cops he wouldn't have fired at them..sad story..feel even worse for the officers cause they know they didn't follow proper procedure and their hearts are torn...praying for the cops and the deceased man's family..

lilearl76
January 18, 2013 7:15 p.m.

renaissancemon:How are you supposed to know they are not just SAYING they have a warrant?

Soooo, your advice is to open fire first? Then ask to see the warrant? Here's a thought, step outside the door, and ask the officer to see the warrant. They will show it to you, and in your case, they'll even let you put the handcuffs on yourself!

Again renaissancemon, "It is so cowardly. I want cops who are braver than that"

So I take it you are sooo brave. Why don't you become a LEO and walk down a warrant while underfire. The saddest part is, they actually let people like you vote.

Offshore
January 18, 2013 7:08 p.m.