Robeson County SWAT team member shot outside Pembroke

PEMBROKE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Robeson County deputy was shot Thursday, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said.

It happened in the 2500 block of Evergreen Church Road just outside Pembroke.

The deputy, a SWAT team member was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, Wilkins said. He was hit under the arm and has severe swelling, ABC11 learned but is otherwise OK.

A suspect is in custody.

Wilkins told ABC affiliate WPDE that the incident began as SWAT and drug enforcement officers were executing a search warrant.

"The team followed all protocols based on the body camera that I have watched, so far. When they made entry, they took on shots, fired by the suspect. Our deputy was struck a couple of times in his vest. He was immediately pulled out of the mobile home and was taken to the hospital by deputy patrol cars. Lumberton PD, and some other agencies assisted by blocking the intersection to get the deputy there," Wilkins said.

The inhabitants refused to initially answer the door, ABC11 learned. As the officers made entry and turned to the right into a bedroom, they spotted a woman and then the suspect opened fire from a hidden corner. One of the rounds went through a wall and hit the windshield of a van on the driver's side but no one was in there. Wilkins told ABC11 that the deputy did return fire before retreating and that they think he may have been shot twice.

The suspect ultimately surrendered to authorities.

There were five people in the home. The others were taken to the sheriff's office to be interviewed.

Nearby residents told WPDE that officers have blocked intersections leading to Evergreen Church Road.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.