SBI investigates after police chief shoots break-in suspect on his property

The SBI is investigating a shooting by a police chief after a break-in on his property Thursday afternoon.

Wayne County deputies say they were called to Sleepy Creek Road outside of Dudley around 5:45 p.m.

Willie Brinson, who is police chief at Wayne Community College, told them he encountered two men, one who was crawling out of a rear window of the residence.

Brinson, who was armed, told deputies the first man ran away, but he managed to stop the second one who started walking toward him. The victim said the second man had something in his hand, and he was physically assaulted. Brinson said the man was trying to get his gun, and during the struggle the gun went off. The suspect then ran from the area.

A short time later, a man arrived at Wayne Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound. He was eventually airlifted to Vidant Medical Center.

Deputies say the two people that came into the hospital with the man shot were questioned, and one of them charged with felony breaking and entering.

Isidro Fonseca of Dudley was jailed on a $5,000 bond. The man shot, Jesue Diaz-Fonseca, 26, of Dudley, is in stable condition at Vidant.

Deputies say they have obtained warrants for Diaz-Fonseca, charging him with felony breaking and entering with the intent to commit larceny.

Land records show Brinson owns the property where the shooting happened, and lives across the street.