Authorities say the suspect, who the sheriff's office identified as 43-year-old Clarence Douglas Phillips, began shooting at the deputies, forcing them to take cover. After warning the suspect to surrender several times, deputies say Phillips ignored the officers and continued to fire his gun.
While on the scene, deputies learned that the body of 49-year-old Cynthia Tillett Knighten was found in Craven County, and Phillips may have been involved in that murder. Deputies determined a car at the scene also belonged to her.
More deputies were called to the Grifton scene to assist and the Highway Patrol assisted with its helicopter.
From the air, they were able to pinpoint Phillip's exact location on the ground. Deputies then moved closer to that location. As they approached Phillips, more gunshots were exchanged and the deputies shot him.
A second deputy, Detective Ryan Dawson, was shot in the neck area and transported to Pitt Memorial Hospital. He is currently recovering from his injuries.
Phillips was transported to Lenoir Memorial Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. According to the Craven County Sheriff's Office, he died from his injuries Wednesday morning.
The SBI is assisting in the investigation.
