COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. — A massive manhunt is underway in Columbus County this evening after a sheriff’s deputy was shot during a routine traffic stop, prompting local authorities to issue an urgent “shelter-in-place” order for residents in the eastern part of the county.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred earlier today, though officials have provided few details regarding the circumstances leading up to the violence. According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was conducting a traffic stop when the situation escalated, resulting in the officer being struck by gunfire.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene immediately following the shooting. The wounded deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. While the sheriff’s office has not released specific information regarding the deputy’s current medical condition, they issued a brief, somber statement urging the public to stand with their agency during this crisis.
“Please keep our deputy and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office stated in a social media release.
As of this hour, a multi-agency search is actively scouring the eastern portion of the county for the unidentified suspect. Officials have not released a description of the shooter or the vehicle involved, nor have they identified the specific area where the suspect was last seen. Authorities have opted to keep the search perimeter fluid, focusing their resources on tracking the individual responsible for the assault.
In light of the ongoing danger, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is urging all residents in the eastern region to stay indoors and keep their doors locked. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the suspect is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
“We are asking anyone in the area to stay indoors and remain vigilant,” the department stated. “If you notice anything suspicious, or if you see anything that appears out of the ordinary, please do not approach. Call 911 immediately.”
Columbus County, located approximately one hour west of Wilmington, remains under a heightened state of alert as state and local law enforcement agencies converge on the area. The scene remains an active investigation, and authorities are expected to hold a briefing as more information becomes available.
Local residents are advised to monitor official channels and local news outlets for updates on the search and instructions regarding the shelter-in-place order. As the situation develops, the community is bracing for what is expected to be a long night of police activity.
Stay with Spectrum News 1 for continuous updates on this developing story as we work to confirm the status of the injured deputy and obtain further information regarding the search for the suspect.
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