Woman Shot by Deputy on the Outer Banks

Kill Devil Hills, NC – A 49-year-old woman was shot by a Dare County deputy near Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred on the evening of March 18th, 2024.

Report of a Suspicious Person

At exactly 7:05 p.m. on Sunday evening, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call reporting a suspicious person present on a private property on Colington Island. The caller described the person as a female acting erratically and brandishing a knife.

Deputy Response

Representatives from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene a few minutes later. According to a news release provided by the agency, the deputy spotted the woman walking down Harbour Road upon his arrival.

Failed Attempts at Communication

Despite the deputy’s repeated attempts at initiating communication, the woman continued to behave erratically and failed to comply with any commands. Her non-compliance eventually forced the deputy to make the tough decision to take the defensive approach.

Use of Force

Per the news release, the woman’s actions prompted the deputy to first resort to using a Taser in an attempt to neutralize the threat. When the Taser proved unsuccessful, and with the woman still non-compliant, the deputy then discharged his service firearm, striking the woman.

Post-Incident Actions

The woman was immediately transported to a local hospital after receiving first aid at the scene. Her current condition has not been disclosed to the public due to privacy concerns. Meanwhile, in line with standard protocols, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending a complete investigation.

Investigation Underway

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case to ensure an unbiased and comprehensive investigation. Additional details about the incident will be released as they become available throughout the course of the investigation.