A domestic disturbance at a High Point home last night ended with two people dead, after police say officers shot a knife-wielding man and then discovered a woman inside the house with fatal stab wounds. Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the Jamesford Meadows neighborhood.
What Police Say
In a news release today, the High Point Police Department said officers were dispatched around 7:57 p.m. to a reported domestic disturbance at 4524 Jamesford Drive and arrived at the home about 8:07 p.m. Two juveniles had reportedly fled the house and told a neighbor about an assault involving a knife, according to the release.
Officers forced their way inside and encountered an adult man who was described as covered in blood and armed with a knife. Police say the man ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon and moved toward officers, at which point two officers opened fire and struck him. Officers provided medical aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers cleared the residence, they found an adult woman suffering what were described as life-threatening stab wounds. She was later pronounced dead.
Investigation Underway
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to lead the criminal probe into the officer-involved shooting. The High Point Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is handling the investigation into the woman’s death, according to WXII.
Four responding officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, which the department described as standard procedure in shootings involving police. Officials scheduled a Monday morning briefing at police headquarters to provide more information to the public.
What Happens Next
The SBI typically conducts an independent criminal investigation in cases involving police use of force and then turns its findings over to prosecutors, who decide whether to pursue charges. That review is intended to be objective and methodical, and it can take weeks as agents collect physical evidence and interview witnesses.
According to past SBI statements, the agency asks anyone with potentially relevant information to contact its Northern Piedmont office.
Neighbors And The Scene
Neighbors in the Jamesford Meadows subdivision told reporters that two juveniles ran from the house and alerted a neighbor, which prompted the call to 911, Charlotte Observer coverage reported. Officials have not released the names of the man, the woman, or the officers involved, and police say they are not looking for any additional suspects.
Ongoing Probe And Public Safety
The department has released a case report number for the incident and is asking anyone with relevant information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers of High Point, according to local coverage. The High Point Police Department says it will not release further investigative details while the SBI review is in progress, Spectrum News reported.
