Alzheimer’s Possible Factor in Anson Co. Deputy Shooting
Deputy Shoots man Armed with Rifle
PEACHLAND, NC — We now know the name of the man an Anson County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed Friday afternoon.
Family tells WCCB Charlotte his name was Bobby Horne. He was 63-years-old.
Friday, they say Horne’s wife called 911. Family says Horne was suffering from a medical condition relating to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Paramedics called for help when they say he became combative. When deputies showed up, they say Horne grabbed a rifle.
“One deputy exited the residence,” said Sheriff Landric Reid. “As he is backing up, the suspect closed the door, and then that’s when he encountered the second deputy.”
Sheriff Reid says Horne aimed the gun at the deputy. The deputy fired and killed Horne.
Investigators say the man’s wife was outside with another deputy.
“He shielded her and took her across the yard to keep her from being shot,” said Sheriff Reid.
This is the third deputy-involved shooting in Anson County in eight months. The Sheriff has handed the investigation over to the State Bureau of Investigations.
“It’s s a lot for anywhere ,” said Sheriff Reid. “No deputy, no police officer that I know wants to shoot and kill anybody.”
Horne’s daughter, Jennifer Randall, wrote WCCB Charlotte this statement:
“This started as a medical call. We called the authorities related to his medical condition, and this was in no way related to a domestic dispute. What happened here today was a tragedy. My father was a wonderful, loving man with a heart of gold that would give anyone the shirt off his back. Unfortunately, for the last few years, he has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. A horrible disease that robbed him of his mind but never rob him of his loving heart.
The men and women of law-enforcement did the only thing they possibly could have. I would like to tell the officers and that we in no way blame them for my fathers death. This was an unfortunate tragedy, and we ask that the media please respect our privacy as we deal with great loss.”
State agents say the deputy who shot Horne did have an arm injury. They could not interview him Friday because they say he was on pain medication. They will release his name once they interview him. He is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
