Man found dead in Robeson County after exchanging fire with law officers during standoff

Thursday, October 2, 2025
ST. PAULS, N.C. (WTVD) -- An armed suspect is dead and another is in custody after a standoff on Thursday in Robeson County.

The incident began about 1 p.m. when law officers attempted to execute a search warrant in the 400 block of Ice Cream Drive in St. Pauls.

Investigators from the Robeson County Sheriff's Office, SWAT operators, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Hope Mills Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and United States Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force were all at the scene when a man came out of a camper with a rifle and fired multiple rounds at law officers. Investigators immediately returned fire, and the man ducked back into the camper.

Authorities are seen at the site where shots were exchanged with an armed suspect.

WPDE



The Robeson County Sheriff's Office Hostage Negotiations Team responded to the scene and tried to contact the people inside the camper for more than an hour.



After multiple unsuccessful attempts, law officers deployed tear gas into the camper, and a woman came out.

SWAT operators entered the camper and found the man dead. Another person was taken into custody as the investigation continues.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

It's not yet known how the man died. The sheriff's office said the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy.

The SB is investigating the incident, as is standard when a law officer discharges a service weapon.



No other details were immediately released.

Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.