MOORESVILLE, NC – A suspect involved in a fatal shooting incident over the weekend at a North Carolina residence was killed in a subsequent exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers, according to a statement by the local sheriff on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Justin Michael Strawser, was reportedly wearing a bulletproof vest and actively shooting at deputies when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred outside a Mooresville home where Strawser was located, and where four minors were present but remained unharmed, Sheriff Darren Campbell of Iredell County stated.
Earlier, deputies had responded to a separate shooting incident at another Mooresville residence. Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased individuals inside the home and another critically injured person on the back porch. All victims were found restrained and the injured individual was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to Campbell.
The sheriff’s office indicated that Strawser and the shooting victims were acquainted, ruling out a random home invasion. Potential motives for the crime could include narcotics and robbery, it was suggested.
Information acquired about Strawser led deputies to the second residence. There, Strawser barricaded himself inside and began shooting at law enforcement officers with an AR-15, as per the sheriff’s account.
Despite the house being surrounded, Strawser refused to surrender. The presence of four juveniles inside the house was also confirmed, though they reportedly declined rescue attempts. Strawser’s gunfire struck several sheriff’s office vehicles, and he admitted to his involvement in the earlier fatal shooting during negotiations.
Law enforcement resorted to using tear gas, which led the children to evacuate the house. Strawser exited the house afterward, still wearing his bulletproof vest and firing at deputies. He was subsequently shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the incident. In line with standard policy, three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
The victims from the initial shooting were identified as two men, aged 22 and 24.