Johnston Sheriff Official Fired

A nine-year veteran of the Johnston County Sheriff's Office has been fired.

Sheriff Steve Bizzell dismissed Lt. Thomas Lee for allegedly assaulting a handcuffed suspect. The incident happened in July while Johnston County and Wake County deputies were investigating an ATV theft.

The State Bureau of Investigation is also investigating the case.

In 2000, Lee accidentally shot another deputy while cleaning his gun. The deputy was not seriously hurt.