— press release
At approximately 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, special agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force along with deputies from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant and search warrant at a residence located at 3147 Cannady Mill Road, Franklinton, North Carolina, in Granville County. The arrest warrant was for: 1st degree statutory sex offense (1 count); 1st degree sexual exploitation of a minor (4 counts); disseminating obscenities to a minor (1 count). The search warrant was for the production of child pornography.
Upon arrival, the suspect named in the arrest warrant, who was armed, retreated into the home. The Franklin County SWAT, Wake Forest Police SWAT and SBI Special Response Team were called to assist with taking the suspect into custody.
After an 18-hours long standoff, at approximately 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, the suspect approached the door entrance from inside the home, armed with a long gun. An SBI agent fired a shot striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene. The SBI’s Special Investigations Unit is now investigating and pursuant to standard operating procedure, the SBI agent has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The SBI always seeks to preserve life and to use the minimum amount of force necessary. Rarely, there are those occasions where the use of deadly force is exercised by our agents. As with every officer involved shooting the case will be fully investigated and reviewed with the District Attorney.
Names of the suspect and agent will be released at a later time.