Fayetteville man charged with attempted murder of police officers after standoff
A man is facing charges after he barricaded himself in his Fayetteville home early Saturday and traded gunfire with police who were called to the house following a domestic dispute.
Posted — UpdatedPolice said Russell Ean Peverley, 47, was being treated for serious injuries at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after the incident, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. Friday night in an upscale neighborhood.
He has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, Fayetteville police said in a written statement.
Police were called to the 300 block of Kimberwicke Drive on a domestic assault case, authorities said.
When officers arrived, they reported hearing gunshots.
The man refused to leave the home and opened fire on officers, who fired back.
It was not clear if the man was struck by police gunfire or what injuries he received during the incident.
Fayetteville police chief Gina Hawkins said officers heard gunshots when they arrived.
Shots were then fired at officers, Hawkins said.
“Our officers did return fire,” she said. “At this time, it is under investigation.”
Police said the suspect had a large number of weapons, some of them high-powered. At one point, officers were pinned down by the gunfire.
No officers were injured during the incident, although bullets did strike three police cars, Hawkins said. One was so badly damaged that it is no longer useable.
Hawkins said the State Bureau of Investigations is looking into the matter, which is standard protocol after a law enforcement officer fires their weapon.
A neighbor told WRAL News that the incident stemmed from a marital dispute between the suspect and his wife.
A woman and children who were in the house were able to make it out safely, according to a neighbor.
Neighbors reported hearing up to six gunshots as the incident unfolded.
"It's unreal," said Connie GIbson. "And this is just really close to home. What's comforting to me is the gentlemen is in custody and his family is safe. I just hope they all get the help they need."
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
