Feb. 16, 2023 A Rowan County sheriff’s deputy serving outstanding warrants struggled with a suspect who grabbed a gun from a desk before another deputy fatally shot the man.
Source officer.com News
A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a man who grabbed a gun while another deputy was on his back trying to subdue him in the bedroom of a home, Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen said Thursday.
Jordan Mays died after the deputy fired five bullets from his AR-15 rifle “at close range” of Mays, Allen said in a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office statement. At least one bullet hit Mays in the head, killing him, the sheriff said.
Responding to a tip, five deputies went to the single-wide trailer at 138 Thriftwood Court late Tuesday afternoon to serve warrants on Mays and another suspect, Jeremy Brock, according to the sheriff’s statement. Mays was on a wanted list issued by the N.C. Probation and Parole office, Allen said.
Mays had outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, driving while licensed revoked and a probation violation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Five deputies were on the scene at the time of the call — all of whom were the master deputy rank. They included Jessica Abrams, David Scott, Travis James, Chase Safrit and Adam Dyles. All five have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Deputies arrive at scene
Deputies used speakers from a patrol vehicle to announce their presence and call out to Mays and Brock. They closed in on the trailer after several unsuccessful attempts. Some questioned a woman behind the trailer. Others noticed movement in a detached garage and discovered Brock inside. He was arrested without incident, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies entered the trailer because they believed Mays was inside and, the sheriff’s statement said, announced their presence numerous times.
Inside bedroom
After entering the bedroom, they found Mays on the bed with a woman. The sheriff said a handgun was on a desk or table inside the bedroom and that deputies commanded Mays not to reach for the gun and to show his hands.
Allen said body camera video shows Dyles “going hands on” with Mays, struggling with him on a bed and then on the floor. It’s not clear how the struggle started.
Another deputy tried to reach Mays while a third deputy, Travis James, stood just inside the bedroom door “covering the two other deputies with his AR-15 rifle as they try to subdue” Mays, Allen said.
When a deputy yelled “tase him,” Mays rose from the floor with Dyles on his back and grabbed a gun from a desk, the sheriff said.
James said “gun” several times to his fellow deputies in the room and shot Mays when the man turned around with the gun in his hand, Allen said.