Deputy hospitalized, suspect killed in shootout, NC authorities say

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputy was flown to the hospital after he was shot by a suspect, authorities say.

It happened early Thursday morning in Rutherford County south of Forest City, near the intersection of Old Henrietta Road and Providence Road. Police told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty officers returned fire, killing the suspect.

Faherty was told the hurt deputy underwent surgery at a hospital in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and was recovering Thursday afternoon.

Authorities told Faherty the suspect, Tiye Adam Washington II, was wanted out of Henrico County, Virginia and was accused of shooting two women and a child in a domestic-related incident on Tuesday. Deputies had been warned by Virginia authorities that Washington was believed to be armed and dangerous.

Law enforcement had already been in the area Wednesday. They said they found Washington after his car was spotted in southeastern Rutherford County.

By noon, the shooting scene, about a quarter of a mile from where the car was found, was still active, even though it had happened 9 hours prior.

Trey Hawkins lives near where Washington’s car was found.

“Forest City is pretty small and rural area,” Hawkins said. “It’s kind of crazy that something like this would happen in this small town.”

Community members told Faherty local churches are reaching out and asking for prayers for the hurt deputy.

Witnesses said they saw a law enforcement helicopter, an armored police vehicle and drones flying near where the car was found late Wednesday.

Michael Conner lives just down the street and woke to the sound of the gunfire. He had seen deputies and ATF agents in the area for much of the day looking for Washington.

“The shot actually woke us up,” he said.

Conner hopes the deputy makes a full recovery.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the deputy’s family. I will keep him in my prayers,” he said. “I don’t know his name but the Lord does.”

Channel 9 is working to learn which agency was the one that returned Washington’s fire.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates

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