A Moore County deputy shot an armed person Friday morning after responding to a noise complaint.
In a news release, Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said when deputies arrived on the scene around 1:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Fairway Court, behind Hyland Hills golf course outside of Southern Pines, “they were confronted by an armed individual.”
“After knocking on the door and announcing themselves as sheriff’s deputies, Rashad Gatling and Jose Cervantes were confronted by 41-year-old Jason Lauer who was pointing a handgun at them. Lauer was subsequently shot by Deputy Cervantes,” said Fields.
Authorities provided first aid to Lauer, and he was transported to Moore Regional Hospital.
Deputy Gatling received minor injuries during the incident resulting from a fall. He was also treated at the hospital.
Lauer was charged with two counts of felony assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm and was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond pending a first court appearance in Moore County District Court on Wednesday.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident which is protocol whenever a law enforcement officer fires a weapon.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
File photo by Sandhills Sentinel staff.
