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.
