UPDATE: Suspect dead in officer-involved shooting in Bladen County

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — A man accused of firing multiple rounds at Elizabethtown Town Hall and two town-owned vehicles early Tuesday morning has died.

Chief Mark McMichael with the Elizabethtown Police Department said the shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. on May 12. He identified the suspect as Michael Bynum Horne, Jr.

According to the police, Elizabethtown police officers were patrolling downtown when they heard gunfire and responded immediately. A description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast over the radio.

Bladen County deputies assisted in the investigation and later located the vehicle traveling toward N.C. Highway 53.

According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 1400 block of Highway 53 West in White Oak. Officials said the suspect began shooting at the deputy during the stop, and the deputy returned fire.

Sheriff Jim McVicker said Horne was taken to a hospital for treatment, but later died from his injuries.

“The individual responsible for these heinous and dangerous acts is no longer with us,” the police department said in a statement.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave.

Town officials said repairs to the damaged municipal property are underway.

The State Bureau of Investigation has been contacted and is now leading the investigation.