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Suspect Fatally Shot By Watauga County Sheriff's Deputy

WATAUGA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/FACEBOOK

A Watauga County Sheriff’s Deputy fatally shot a man Saturday night during what the sheriff’s department described as a “violent struggle” with a suspect.

According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting occurred after deputies answered a call about a man trying to break into homes near Hardin Road, which is east of Boone.

In a press release, Sheriff Len Hagaman said Deputy Adam Gragg got out of his vehicle to approach a man who was walking in the road. The release said man attacked the deputy and a "violent struggle" followed.

The sheriff said Gragg fired his weapon, striking Andrew John Mason, 22.  Mason died at a hospital. 

Deputy Gragg  been placed on administrative leave, per Watauga County Sheriff’s Office protocol. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the case. 

Mark Rumsey grew up in Kansas and got his first radio job at age 17 in the town of Abilene, where he announced easy-listening music played from vinyl record albums.