Kidnapping call leads to deadly officer-involved shooting in Catawba County, authorities say

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – One person is dead after a report of a kidnapping overnight in Catawba County ended with authorities opening fire on a person.

According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, deputies got a report of a kidnapping at a home along Village Circle.

When authorities arrived, they said they saw Bobby Ray Farthing standing outside of a truck, holding another individual inside the vehicle hostage at gunpoint.

Hostage negotiators and made contact with Farthing, who made threats to shoot the hostage and then himself, according to the sheriff’s office.

Law enforcement said deputies eventually shot and killed him. The hostage was not harmed, authorities added.

“These incidents are tragic for all involved,” Sheriff Don Brown said. “We are thankful that the hostage was not injured and that no further loss of life occurred. “We will assist and cooperate fully with the SBI as they investigate.”

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