Statement from the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation:
Early this morning, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and the Canton Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting in Canton, North Carolina. A preliminary investigation shows a deputy and two officers were responding to a possible disturbance off of Asheville Highway (U.S. 19 and 23) just after 2 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Upon arrival, officers say they encountered an armed suspect standing on a billboard and there was an exchange of gunfire. The deceased has been identified as Jacob Wilbur Wright, 32, of Canton, NC. One deputy from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office was injured and is being treated at a local hospital. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the deputy’s identity. No other officers were injured. The two officers from the Canton Police Department who were involved have been identified as Cpl. Anthony Reece and Officer Kendal Foster.
The SBI investigation is ongoing. No additional details are available at this time.
Press release from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office & the Canton Police Department:
**UPDATE: Deputy Eric Batchelor has come through surgery and is in stable condition.**
Officers responded to the report of a disturbance involving a person armed with a rifle on Old Asheville Highway (US 19 & 23) near Canton.
Upon arrival Officers from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and Canton Police Department encountered an individual who fired at officers striking a Deputy Sheriff. During the exchange of gun fire the suspect was struck and is deceased. The Deputy is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Per policy the NC State Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation into the officer involved shooting. All further statements and questions can be directed to the NCSBI Public Information Officer, Angie Grube, agrube@ncsbi.gov
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