Holly MatkinRaleigh, NC – A Wake County sheriff’s deputy was murdered in the line of duty on Thursday night.
Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker said the fatal shooting occurred near a gas station on Auburn Knightdale Road and Battle Bridge Road at approximately 11 p.m. on Aug. 11, WTVD reported.
Officials have not yet released the details of what led up to the shooting.
Investigators did not release the name of the fallen hero, nor have they provided any information about the gunman.
A search for the suspect remained ongoing.
Raleigh police and Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies blocked off roads near the scene as the investigation continued overnight, WNCN reported.
A police drone was also seen flying overhead to provide investigators with an aerial view of the search area, according to WRAL.
“It breaks my heart to have to report that a member of this office was fatally wounded… after about 11 p.m. last night in the line of duty,” Sheriff Baker said during an emotional press conference later in the night, according to WNCN. “We will find who’s responsible.”
The sheriff said local law enforcement officers need the community’s support and patience as they work to piece the case together.
“We ask for prayers, [and] we ask for patience as we go about finding out what happened and who is responsible,” Sheriff Baker said, according to WNCN.
The murder of the Wake County deputy marked the sixth occasion of a deputy being shot in the area in the past month, WTVD reported.
The @WakeSheriff office confirms a deputy has died after being shot near Battle Bridge Road and Auburn Knightdale intersection. The shooting occurred last night. @SpecNews1RDU pic.twitter.com/D6vyULIIDC
— Amy Elliott (@AElliottTV) August 12, 2022
It is with sadness to share that a @WakeSheriff deputy was fatally shot while in the line duty earlier this morning. Please pray for the deputy’s family and this agency.
— Wake County Sheriff's Office, Raleigh, N.C. (@WakeSheriff) August 12, 2022
@WakeSheriff is on-scene of a deputy-involved incident on Battle Bridge Road, near Auburn-Knightdale Road. pic.twitter.com/6XV5Oetcve
— Wake County Sheriff's Office, Raleigh, N.C. (@WakeSheriff) August 12, 2022
We are shocked & saddened to hear of the tragic line of duty shooting death of a @WakeSheriff deputy early this morning
Our prayers are with the Wake County Sheriff’s Department, the fallen deputy & their family, and all who are affected by this tragedy#BackTheBlue #ncpol pic.twitter.com/7OFkJHaf56
— NCGOP District 2 (@NCGOP2nd) August 12, 2022
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