The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has identified the individual killed in a police-involved shooting in Pinehurst as 37-year-old Sawyer Frye, a resident of Pinehurst. The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday morning when officers from the Pinehurst Police Department responded to a call regarding a suspicious person on Remington Lane.
According to police reports, officers arrived at the location around 7:30 a.m. and encountered a man in the front yard who was armed with an ax. Officers stated that they initially attempted to subdue the individual using non-lethal measures. However, the situation escalated, leading law enforcement to use lethal force, ultimately resulting in Frye’s death.
The SBI has launched an investigation into the shooting to determine the circumstances that led to the use of deadly force. The agency will review evidence, including officer statements, body camera footage, and witness accounts, to establish whether proper protocol was followed during the encounter.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, authorities have not yet disclosed specific details about the non-lethal methods used or what actions prompted officers to resort to deadly force. The findings of the investigation will be used to assess whether any further action or review is required.
The Pinehurst Police Department has not released additional information about the officers involved or whether they have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Further details may be made available as the SBI continues to gather and analyze evidence related to the incident.
