Update: Noncompliant Man with Rifle, Scope Who Was Shot, Killed by Ashe Law Enforcement is Mark Houck

Update: Nov. 21, 2012. Sheriff James Williams is releasing further information in the officer involved shooting from earlier in the week: 

He states that the victim of the incident was Walter Mark Houck, known as Mark Houck.  His age was 47.  Officers involved in the incident were Joshua Hopkins, Brandon Howell, Jeremy Munday, Jake Howell.  Dispatcher on duty was Brian Greer.

He states that there is an on-going investigation being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation.

Sheriff Williams expresses complete confidence in all the officers involved and is satisfied that they followed department policy and their training protocols.

Sheriff Williams further states that our hearts go out to the victim’s family, as well as to our officers and departments involved.

Law Enforcement Officers in Ashe Kill Noncompliant Male Armed with Scope and Rifle in Laurel Springs Area

Nov. 20, 2012. At approximately 11 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, deputies from the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, along with a West Jefferson Police officer, responded to a report of a subject shooting from a residence on the Gaither Poe Road in the Laurel Springs area of Ashe County.

On arrival at the scene, the officers encountered a white male armed with a rifle and scope. The officers identified themselves, and ordered the man to put down his weapon. Subject refused to comply, and began pointing the weapon at the officers. Officers fired their weapons, striking and killing the subject.

Two officers from the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and one officer from the West Jefferson Police Department have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of the investigation being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation.

The name of the deceased subject is being withheld at this time, pending notification of the next of kin.