A man shot three workers who were clearing trees for a power company before being shot himself by police officers during his arrest, authorities reported.
The incident took place near Murphytown, North Carolina, in the Green Mountain area of Yancey County. According to a statement from the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office released on Wednesday, 36-year-old local resident Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted contract workers clearing the right of way for the power company.
“Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot,” authorities said. “All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment.”
Yancey County Deputies quickly responded to the scene and engaged in a gunfire exchange with Murphy while attempting to arrest him.
“During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting took place, resulting in Mr. Murphy sustaining an injury,” police stated. “He was then immediately taken into custody and transported to an area hospital for treatment.”
Authorities have not released any possible motives, but the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of today’s shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly,” said Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard in a social media post following the shooting. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squad, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist.”
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The conditions of the three workers are currently unknown, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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