A man shot three arborists while they were cutting down trees for an energy company, and was shot by police officers during his arrest, police said.
The incident began near Murphytown, North Carolina, in the Green Mountain area of Yancey County, when 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy, a local resident, confronted contract workers clearing a road for the energy company, according to a statement from the Yancey County Sheriff's Office released Wednesday.
MORE: 28-Year-Old High School Coach Randomly Shot Dead in Bar While Attending Conference
“Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the arborists, and three arborists were subsequently shot,” authorities said in their statement. “All three victims suffered serious injuries and were taken to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment.”
Yancey County officers immediately responded to the scene and began shooting as they attempted to arrest Murphy.
MORE: Rare photos released of pristine trunk from Peru's Amazon rainforest that surfaces near logging site
MORE: 90 Giant African Land Snails Found in Passenger's Bag at Detroit Airport
“During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting occurred, resulting in the injury of Mr. Murphy,” police said. “He was immediately arrested. Murphy was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injury.”
Authorities have not released details about possible motives in the case, but the Yancey County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have confirmed they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
MORE: Police build case on Lego robbery after $200,000 worth of sets seized
“I want to start by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today's shooting in Asplundh for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible officers and dispatchers! They did an amazing job responding and quickly getting the situation under control,” Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard said in a social media post after the shooting. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squads, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist.”
The circumstances of the three employees are unknown at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available.
3 tree workers shot while clearing road for energy company before suspect shot by officers during arrest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
