Man dead after shooting in Harnett County involving a deputy, girlfriend says

LILLINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A shooting investigation was underway Wednesday in Harnett County.

The sheriff's office told ABC11 it happened around 2 p.m. at a home on Neills Creek Road near Fairfield Lane, just north of Lillington after a deputy responded to a domestic disturbance call.

When Deputy Calvin Johnson arrived on the scene, the sheriff's office said Leo Warren Reeves challenged the deputy with a knife.

After efforts to deescalate the situation, Deputy Johnson fired his weapon at Reeves in an attempt to stop him from advancing towards him with the knife.

Deputies performed medical treatment until EMS arrived.

Reeves was taken to Wake Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

ABC11 spoke with a woman who said Reeves was her boyfriend. She said Wednesday was their sixth anniversary.

Jessica Clark said she was inside the home with Reeves, who is a father of two, and his father. She said they called the police because Reeves was having a mental episode.

The SBI is investigating the shooting and said it will present the findings to the Harnett County District Attorney.

"By bringing in an outside agency that probably doesn't know anybody involved makes it for a much more thorough investigation," said Law Enforcement Expert Roy Taylor. "And you take that bias, the equation."

The police activity did not disrupt nearby Harnett Central High School. The school district told ABC11 that there were no delays or lockdowns at any campuses.