An alleged gunman who fired multiple shots at the Elizabethtown Police Department has died after a shootout with Bladen County Deputies.
“The individual responsible for these heinous and dangerous acts is no longer with us,” Elizabethtown Police posted in a statement on social media.
The State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to review the case, Bladen Sheriff Jim McVicker said in a statement released on social media just before noon today (May 11).
Michael Bynum Horne Jr. of White Oak died in an area hospital of injuries sustained in an exchange of gunfire with deputies.
The BCSO said deputies responded after a citizen called 911 at 12:30 a.m. this morning. The caller reported that someone was shooting at the Elizabethtown Police Department on Broad Street. She provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a White Honda.
Elizabethtown Police Chief Mark McMichael said in a press release that officers were on foot patrol and heard the shots. When they arrived at the police department, they discovered two town vehicles and the building had been hit by multiple gunshots.
Deputies spotted a car matching the description of the Honda on N.C. 53 West at Sawmill Lane and attempted to perform a traffic stop at 12:49 a.m. When deputies asked Horne to step out of the vehicle, he allegedly fled down Sawmill Lane at a high rate of speed, and turned around, heading back toward the deputy.
“As he was coming out to N.C. 53 West the driver fired multiple shots at the deputy, the release said. The deputy returned fire, wounding Horne several times.
Horne then continued up N.C. 53 a short distance to a residence.
Deputies located Horne and performed first aid until an ambulance arrived. Horne was transported to Bladen County Hospital, where he later died.
As is standard procedure in law enforcement shootings, McVicker said he requested the SBI investigate the shooting.
The Elizabethtown Police Department is closed today while crews repair damage from the gunfire.
“Town officials and staff are working diligently to repair the damage to municipal property,” the police department said on social media. “Legal action will be pursued regarding the damages caused during the incident.”
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