A Wilkes County, N.C. deputy was wounded and the suspect gunman was killed in a shootout with law enforcement on Monday.
James Monroe Barnett, who officials say shot Sgt. Steven Russell before setting a house on fire, died following the gun battle shortly after 6 a.m. on North River Ridge Road that ended an hours-long search, according to WXII-TV.
Russell, a member of the department for more than 10 years, was hit in the shoulder and possibly grazed in the head. He was flown to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and is expected to survive.
Deputies had responded to a reported domestic dispute involving Barnett when the man exchanged gunfire with deputies. Two other people were wounded in the incident, and both of their injuries aren't considered life-threatening.
Officials allege that Barnett set a house on fire just blocks away from the shooting before fleeing into the woods.
Law enforcement officers pursued the man into the woods and a state Highway Patrol helicopter was used in the search. Barnett was pronounced dead at the scene around 11 a.m.
Officials said that they had problems with Barnett in the past.
The incident is currently under investigation.
