Sheriff: 2 deputies killed during welfare check at Boone home were ambushed; suspect identified WSOCTV.com News Staff
Two deputies were killed and three other people, including the gunman, were found dead after a 13-hour standoff in Boone, the Watauga County sheriff said on Thursday.
Authorities said the two deputies died in the shooting that prompted a daylong standoff Wednesday that dragged into the night with law enforcement officers surrounding a home.
The sheriff identified the gunman as 32-year-old Isaac Alton Barnes. Officials believe he died by suicide.
Breaking Boone- sheriff Hagaman just spoke with us confirming the second deputy has died. They also found the suspect’s mother and stepfather deceased. Police had been to the home over the weekend. The latest on the investigation today at noon, 5pm and 6pm. pic.twitter.com/uV0WlhTnOX Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) April 29, 2021
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.