Man dead after police-involved shooting in Jacksonville early Wednesday morning | News

According to a JPD news release Wednesday, officers encountered an armed suspect who had barricaded himself inside the home along with six other people. The department’s response team and negotiators were called to respond to the incident.

The six people were led out of the house through a side window, the news release said. While he was helping the people through the window and out of the house, the male suspect exited the house through the back with a firearm and opened fire.

Officers returned fire and the male suspect died at the scene, the press release said.

“This is a tragedy for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and officers affected,” said Jacksonville Public Safety Director Michael Yaniero. “We understand and appreciate the public’s concern when an officer is faced with the difficult decision to defend themselves and others from an armed individual in a split second. Police work is difficult. Officers are faced with decisions they must make to protect the public, and there are times when an officer has no choice but to use deadly force.”

This is an active and ongoing investigation that has been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.