LUMBERTON – We’re learning more about an officer involved shooting in the flood zone.  According to information from the NC Highway Patrol, On Monday, October 10^th at approximately 8:08 p.m., two members of the Robeson County Sheriff’s office accompanied by a sergeant with the State Highway Patrol were conducting search and rescue operations in Lumberton.

Preliminary information shows while traveling on a flooded portion of west Fifth Street, the officers encountered a male individual.  The male became hostile towards the officers and displayed a handgun.  After observing the handgun, the sergeant shot the man who succumbed to his injuries.  The identity of the subject is unknown at this time.

“I am proud that our first responders were in the community rendering aid to our citizens,” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. “While we are saddened by any loss of life, I am thankful that our member and the Robeson County Sheriffs’ deputies were not injured.”

At the request of the Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting the shooting investigation.  The sergeant has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation as is standard operating procedure in any Patrol involved shooting.