Moore sheriff: Man fired on deputies, they returned fire and killed him

Moore County sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man after he allegedly opened fire on deputies who were responding to a late-night call about a domestic dispute, authorities said Saturday.

The Moore County Sheriff's Department said the incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday at a home located at 106 Forest Place Drive in Aberdeen.

Officials identified the man who was killed as Arthur Kenzie Garner, 33.

Someone at the residence called police to report a fight. When deputies arrived, Garner began shooting at the law enforcement officers, who returned fire, killing the man.

"The individual stepped out toward the doorway and fired some shots, at which time they fired back," Sheriff Neil Godfrey said of his deputies.

No deputies were hurt during the incident, Godfrey said, noting that four deputies and a Pinehurst Police officer returned several rounds.

Based on markers placed by deputies, it appears that at least 11 bullets were fired, although it wasn't clear from the scene if the rounds came from law enforcement officers or Garner.

The State Bureau of Investigations has launched an investigation into the matter, a routine response when an officer-involved shooting occurs.

Friends and family of Garner, who spoke to WRAL News after the shooting, said they could not believe the end for a man they described as "always smiling and happy."

Godfrey said the outcome wasn't one law enforcement officers want either.

"When officers come to work in the morning, they are not coming to shoot somebody, they are coming to work to help people," he said.