WHITE OAK — A White Oak man died early Tuesday after authorities say he opened fire on the Elizabethtown Police Department building and later exchanged gunfire with a Bladen County deputy during a traffic stop on N.C. 53 West.
The deceased has been identified as 50‑year‑old Michael Bynum Horne Jr., of the White Oak community.
Shots Fired at Police Department
Bladen County 911 received a call at 12:28 a.m. reporting gunfire at the Elizabethtown Police Department. Responding officers found the front of the building struck multiple times.
A second caller reported the shots came from a white Honda sedan fleeing east toward downtown.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent
At 12:49 a.m., a Bladen County deputy stopped a vehicle matching the description at N.C. 53 West and Sawmill Lane.
According to Sheriff James A. McVicker, the deputy made contact with a white male driver and asked him to step out of the vehicle. The man fled down Sawmill Lane, turned around, and fired multiple shots at the deputy as he came back toward the highway.
The deputy returned fire, striking the suspect.
Horne fled again and was found moments later at a residence a short distance away on N.C. 53 West. Deputies performed lifesaving measures until EMS arrived.
Death at Hospital
Horne was transported to Bladen County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. No deputies were injured.
SBI Leading the Case
Sheriff McVicker requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to take over the criminal investigation, which is standard procedure in officer‑involved shootings.
The Elizabethtown Police Department remains open but is assessing damage to the building.
No additional details have been released.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
© 2026 BCDollarSaver.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment