FIRST ON 3: Deputy fired after allegedly firing Taser at utility worker

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputy has been fired after allegedly trying to use his Taser on a utility worker.

The Sheriff’s Office says Reed Roberts was at his home in Pender County yesterday waiting for a technician to restore power to his home. Once the technician arrived and began reconnecting the utilities, the Sheriff’s Office says there was an altercation between Roberts and the technician, and Roberts fired his Taser. There’s been no official word yet on whether the technician was injured.

An internal investigation determined Roberts violated Sheriff’s Office policy.

“I continue to hold my deputies to a higher standard, and I will not tolerate this type of behavior,” Sheriff Ed McMahon said in a statement.

Roberts, a patrol officer, has been with the Sheriff’s Office since January 2012. He can appeal his firing to the Internal Review Board.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office says it is investigating possible criminal charges in the case.

Duke Energy Progress has not returned our call for comment.