| January
24, 2006 |
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| Deputy Shoots Man During Domestic Dispute |
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A Burke County deputy shot
a man early this morning after responding to a domestic situation between the
man and his wife.
Gaither Antonio Connelly (right), 47, of 2650 Farmland Acres, Morganton was shot
twice after reportedly pointing a handgun toward the deputy and an officer with
the Drexel Police Department. |
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| The officers' names are being withheld
pending an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation,
who were on the scene. |
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| According to Sheriff John T. McDevitt, the
officers arrived at the Connelly residence shortly after 2:30 AM to find
Connelly's wife and daughter outside of the residence. |
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| After entering the home, the officers confronted
an irate Connelly in the basement, the Sheriff stated. As the officers spoke
with the man, he allegedly became more combative and the deputy sprayed him
with pepper spray. |
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| Connelly produced a handgun, McDevitt said, and
the deputy shot Connelly in the abdominal area and hip. The officers were
unhurt during the confrontation. |
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| Connelly reportedly retreated into another area
of the basement and spoke with a Sheriff's Office dispatcher by telephone,
stating he had been shot in the stomach and leg and would turn himself
in. |
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| Another deputy entered the home shortly
afterwards and located Connelly. The deputy secured the scene for emergency
medical personnel to enter. |
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| Connelly was transported by Burke County EMS to
Grace Hospital, and transferred to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for
treatment of his wounds. His condition was listed as serious but stable prior
to transport. |
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| McDevitt, who was on the scene, said that
Connelly's handgun was found during a search of the residence by investigators.
The Sheriff stated Connelly apparently attempted to hide the bloody weapon
after being shot. |
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| Connelly is employed as a sergeant with the
North Carolina Department of Corrections and stationed at the Caldwell County
unit, according to reports. |
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| The deputy will be placed on administrative duty
until the completion of the investigation by the SBI, said McDevitt. |
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