The alleged assault happened early Thursday morning on Candlewood Drive. While officer Warren Butler clung to his life Thursday night, in critical condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the two suspects faced charges of assault with a deadly weapon.
The victim is an off-duty, rookie deputy just two months away from graduation.
Butler joined the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in May. He was halfway through his training -- a journey that is now in jeopardy, along with his life.
According to police, the 22-year-old Butler was brutally beaten with dumbbells and beer bottles.
An investigator said Butler was hit at least twice in the head with a "blunt object."
Police arrested two suspects, Timothy Nakamoto and Alexander Ringl, who also are accused of kicking Butler.
An investigator said Butler was hit at least twice in the head with a "blunt object."
Police arrested two suspects, Timothy Nakamoto and Alexander Wringle, who also are accused of kicking Butler.
Because the incident happened in Fayetteville, the Fayettville Police Department is handling the investigation.
Police Cpl. Adam Brinkley trained Butler. He said Butler joined law enforcement for all the right reasons.
"He wanted to help people," Brinkley said. "He wanted to make a difference, and you could see it in him."
Investigators want to know what Butler was doing at the home in the first place. He was off duty. It was not his home, and the incident happened at 2:50 in the morning.
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