CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — An attack at a Shelby mobile home park early Wednesday morning led to a fatal shooting, officials with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
[ ALSO READ: Former special education teacher accused of taking advantage of student ]
Donald Bautista, who lives on Towery Road, was awakened by someone beating on the side of his home, authorities said. Bautista grabbed a pistol and went outside to see what was going on and saw someone dart into the woods behind his home.
Bautista continued to investigate, and Robert Burns attacked him with a wooden railing from a deck, authorities said.
Bautista sustained several defensive wounds before he fired one shot, killing Burns, according to deputies.
Investigators said Burns was staying with friends at another home in the trailer park and before the shooting, he got into another fight.
Witnesses said Burns was extremely impaired.
Bautista told investigators he did not know Burns.
The investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed.
This browser does not support the video element.
>> Reading this story in our app? The new "Follow the Lead" feature allows you to tap the blue tag indicated with a '+' to subscribe to alerts on the very latest breaking news updates.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
Arrest made in slaying of beloved NoDa sandwich shop co-owner
7-year-old boy hit by bullet while asleep in north Charlotte home
‘Our state is prepared:’ Gov. Cooper says first person in NC tests positive for coronavirus
FORECAST: Dense fog early before scattered showers arrive later in the day
What does popular movie theater’s closure mean for Epicentre?