A man who fired shots at Fayetteville police officers early this morning is dead after a four-hour standoff at his home on Argon Avenue.

The man died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the head.

"We are fairly sure at this point (gunfire from officers) doesn't appear to be the proximate cause of death," said Lt. Chris Davis, a Fayetteville police spokesman.

Fayetteville police have scheduled a new conference for 10 this morning, Davis said.

A Fayetteville police officer and another man were shot at 1509 Argon Ave., in the Tiffany Pines neighborhood off Rosehill Road.

Officers responded to a call regarding a man walking around with a gun near Brass Court about 1:30 a.m., Davis said.

Police arrived and the man began firing shots at the officers, hitting one in the chest.

The officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest, but, because the weapon was a shotgun, he was injured by pellets, Davis said.

The officer was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and was in surgery at 5:45 a.m., Davis said. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

It is not clear when the other man was shot. Authorities said they believe he was shot by the man inside the home and not by police.

Neither of the shooting victims has been identified, but one of them is believed to the brother of the man found dead inside the residence, Davis said.

Near the end of the standoff, police used an armored vehicle equipped with a battering ram to break down the door, Davis said.

After receiving no response from inside, police fired a tear gas-like substance into the home, gave it some time to take effect and then entered the residence.

Inside, officers found the man dead, Davis said.

Michael McKoy, 15, a neighbor, said he heard "some hollering and someone saying 'get out of the way,' followed by some gunshots and bright lights."

Police evacuated residents of nearby homes during the standoff. It was not clear how many residents were affected or how long they were out of their homes.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service