Authorities investigating after officer-involved shooting in Elizabethtown

Bladen County, NC (WWAY) — Bladen County authorities and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating a deputy-involved shooting after the Elizabethtown Police Department building was struck by gunfire early Tuesday morning.

According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Bladen County 911 received a report of shots fired near the Elizabethtown Police Department around 12:28 a.m. on Tuesday.

When officers arrived, they found the police department building had been struck multiple times.

Minutes later, authorities received another call reporting the shots had come from a white Honda sedan that was seen leaving the area headed eastbound toward downtown Elizabethtown.

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

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.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not release the extent of the driver’s injuries.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

The State Bureau of Investigation has been contacted and will take over the investigation. The incident is still under investigation, and no additional information has been released at this time.