Break-in suspect died of 'positional asphyxiation'

Linden, N.C. — The state medical examiner has determined that a Linden man who died early Saturday morning after breaking into a shed died of “positional asphyxiation.”

Robert Lee Hubbard, 23, of the 8200 block of Carlos Drive, broke in to a shed being used as a temporary house at the 9400 block of Hillsboro Street, authorities said.

Michael Crosby, 51, and his brother, Joseph Crosby, 55, were using the shed as a temporary residence while Michael Crosby's house was under construction.

The brothers told Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies that Hubbard forced his way into the shed and attacked them with what appeared to be a tire iron.

The brothers subdued Hubbard until authorities arrived. Hubbard died before authorities got to the scene, officials said.

An ambulance took Michael Crosby to a local hospital for treatment. He received several sutures to his head and was later released.