By Bill Galluccio
Apr 29, 2021
Two deputies and three others are dead following an hours-long standoff in Boone, North Carolina. The incident began Wednesday (April 28) morning when deputies with the Watauga County Sheriff s Office went to perform a welfare check after the homeowner and his family didn t show up for work.
As officers entered the house, they came under fire. Two of the deputies were shot. One of the officers, Sergeant
Chris Ward, was extracted from the scene and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other officer,
Logan Fox, remained trapped inside, and deputies were unable to rescue him as the homeowner shot at them as soon as they got close to the home. He was later pronounced dead. A third officer with the Boone Police Department was also shot. He was struck in the head but was wearing a helmet that saved his life.
WCSO shooting Incident timeline
The following is a timeline of the incident occurring that occurred on Wednesday, April 28, responded to by Watauga County Sheriff s Office and numerous agencies across the region and state.
Thursday, April 29
4:12 p.m.: The Watauga County Sheriff s Office revealed the individual suspected of killing Sgt. Chris Ward and Dep. Logan Fox was Isaac Alton Barnes, 32. Barnes is also believed to have killed Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and George Wyatt Ligon, 58, both of 553 Hardaman Circle in Boone. Barnes, who was son and stepson of the deceased civilians, died at the scene.
3:03 p.m.: Deputy Logan Fox s K9 Raven was confirmed to be safe by WCSO Major Kelly Redmon. Redmon said Raven was brought along with Fox, but stayed in the car and was unharmed.
By Bill Galluccio
Apr 29, 2021
Two deputies and three others are dead following an hours-long standoff in Boone, North Carolina. The incident began Wednesday (April 28) morning when deputies with the Watauga County Sheriff s Office went to perform a welfare check after the homeowner and his family didn t show up for work.
As officers entered the house, they came under fire. Two of the deputies were shot. One of the officers, Sergeant
Chris Ward, was extracted from the scene and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other officer,
Logan Fox, remained trapped inside, and deputies were unable to rescue him as the homeowner shot at them as soon as they got close to the home. He was later pronounced dead. A third officer with the Boone Police Department was also shot. He was struck in the head but was wearing a helmet that saved his life.
Sgt. Chris Ward Identified as Officer Killed in Boone, North Carolina Shooting
On 4/28/21 at 9:42 PM EDT
Sgt. Chris Ward has been identified as the officer shot and killed during a police standoff in Boone, North Carolina on Wednesday.
The Watauga County Sheriff s Office announced that Ward died not long after being airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center for treatment. K-9 Deputy Logan Fox, who was also shot, is still be at the scene of the ongoing standoff and in unknown condition. Fox is believed to be trapped inside the home of the shooter, who remains barricaded inside. This is an incredibly tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone as well as their families and our community, Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said in a statement. I greatly appreciate the tremendous support we are receiving from law enforcement agencies across the region and the state.