DARE COUNTY, N.C. — Residents in Dare County's Colington Harbour neighborhood are thinking of one of their own.
Witnesses told 13News Now a deputy shot a woman who lives in the area after she wielded a knife and didn't follow law enforcement's commands on Sunday.
The encounter happened in the area of Lake Court and Harbour Road in the gated community, after 7 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day.
Someone called about a suspicious person with a knife, the Dare County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) said. The concerned caller described the woman as "acting erratically."
"I don't know her personally, but as my neighbor, I've never had a problem with her," said a witness, who wanted to stay anonymous. She describes what happened as a "wild" moment.
Upon arrival, a deputy reported finding a 49-year-old woman walking down Harbour Road.
"The officer was trying to get her attention. She was not complying, got louder, got more aggressive trying to retreat to her home," said the witness. "Holding the knife and her phone, yes."
According to sheriff's office administrators, the deputy who has not been publicly identified, deployed their taser and then shot the woman. Medics took her to the hospital.
Officials haven't shared how badly hurt the woman is or whether she faces any charges.
"It's just a sad story. It hit close to home," the witness added. "I think, in the end, everybody hopes she gets some mental help."
13News Now sent the DCSO a list of questions on Tuesday, including whether the woman charged at anyone with the knife before the deputy's use of force and whether the woman was experiencing a mental health crisis.
"The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the case and we will not be answering any questions at this time," a sheriff's captain responded.
Moreover, the deputy involved in the Colington incident is on administrative leave pending the state's investigation.
Nearly six months ago on October 2, a Dare County deputy fatally shot Sylvester Demetrius Selby in Manteo. A taser wasn't used.
Deputies said Selby held a knife and came at them.
However, family members said body camera footage they viewed privately shows Selby trip then had the knife out of his hand as the deadly shots were fired.
Findings of the state-level investigation were released last month and indicated the Manteo shooting was indisputably tragic but not unlawful.