Suspect charged in Duplin County deputy-involved shooting

DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A man has been arrested following a deputy-involved shooting in Duplin County.

On Sunday, just before 4:45 a.m., a deputy with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office went to a report of loud music on White Flash Road in the Mount Olive area.

When the deputy arrived, officials say he saw Juan Perez, who was armed with a firearm.

Perez approached the deputy while still holding the gun, officials say, and did not stop when told to. While still moving closer to the deputy, officials say Perez pointed the firearm at the deputy.

That’s when the deputy fired his gun, hitting Perez. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Perez has been arrested and charged with Assault Against a Government Official/Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of District Attorney Ernie Lee were contacted to investigate the shooting.