Suspect arrested following officer-involved shooting in Mount Olive area

MOUNT OLIVE— The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is currently examining an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday after a deputy with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint on White Flash Road in the Mount Olive area.

Authorities reported that upon arrival, the deputy encountered an armed man later identified as Juan Perez. According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, Perez allegedly ignored commands to stop, advanced toward the deputy, and pointed a firearm at him. The deputy discharged his weapon in response. Perez was transported by Emergency Medical Services to a hospital for treatment. No other individuals were reported injured during the encounter. Sheriff Stratton Stokes confirmed that District Attorney Ernie Lee has been notified and stated that the investigation will thoroughly review all aspects of the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding it.

Perez was arrested and charged with one felony count of assault against a government official/law enforcement officer with a firearm.