Man Shot By Wilkes County Deputy

A Wilkes County man was shot by a Deputy after he refused to disarm.

According to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s office, On Saturday, July 5th, at 11:49 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance at 4114 S N.C. HWY 18. Upon arrival, the Officer located James Michael Scott, age 76 of Moravian Falls, in a physical altercation with his ex-wife. They were struggling over a firearm.

As the Deputy approached, James Scott pointed the weapon at the responding Officer. After refusing multiple verbal commands to drop the firearm the deputy fired a single shot, striking Scott in the abdomen, causing a non-life-threatening injury, for which he was treated and released from Atrium Health/Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center in North Wilkesboro.

Scott has been charged with assault with a firearm upon law enforcement officer, assault by pointing a gun, and communicating threats.

The Deputy has been placed on administrative leave per department policy.

The NC SBI is leading the investigation.