Avery Co. detention officer on leave, accused of killing neighbor
The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.
BANNER ELK, N.C. (WBTV) - An Avery County detention officer is accused of fatally shooting a neighbor following an altercation Sunday night in Banner Elk, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials say that they responded to the shooting shortly before 8 p.m. at a home on Teaster Valley Lane.
[Read also: CMPD releases body cam footage in deadly officer-involved shooting]
Michael Andrew Houser was found with a single gunshot wound and pronounced dead shortly after deputies arrived, according to a press release.
Brenden James Smith, a detention officer with Avery County, remained at the scene and was off-duty at the time, according to deputies.
The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating. Smith has been placed on administrative leave, pending the investigation’s outcome.
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