(DEEP GAP) -- An encounter with a suspect in a home in the Deep Gap community of Watauga County left a sheriff's deputy and the suspect dead. The incident happened shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday. The deputy killed in the shooting is identified as William Mast Jr. The name of the suspect has not been released.

Watauga County deputies were responding to a call at a home on Hardin Road, just off Highway 421.  Officials said that when deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire. One deputy was hit, and another returned fire.

The Watauga County Sheriff's Department released a statement late Thursday morning.  “It is a sad day for Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Watauga County community as Officer Mast was a friend and asset to our force and to his community.”