Monzell West, 38, of 10078 Faison Hwy., Faison, died after being airlifted to Wake Memorial Hospital in Raleigh.
According to reports from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, events unfolded after deputies were dispatched to a disturbance at a 7349 Dave Bright Road residence around 7:30 p.m. The caller told the dispatcher a man with a gun, later identified as West, attempted to take a female and a child from a vehicle.
It was not clear what relationship, if any, West had to the female and child.
Before deputies arrived, the same person called the dispatcher back and said the suspect had fled the scene in a black Lexus. The vehicle, the caller explained, was headed towards N.C. 403.
The woman and child were not injured in the incident.
At that point, reports note, deputies met the vehicle and attempted to overtake it. The suspect reportedly pulled off the road and onto Palm Lane and stopped the vehicle.
West reportedly jumped out of the vehicle holding a firearm and “demonstrating behavior that he was a danger to himself.” The deputies tried unsuccessfully to get West to put the gun down. After a short standoff, West shot himself. Although it was not officially released, it is believed that the gunshot wound was to the head.
Initially taken to Sampson Regional Medical Center, West was later airlifted to WakeMed in Raleigh, where he died later in the evening.
Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thorntion has turned investigation of the incident over to the State Bureau of Investigation because deputies were involved.
“Although, my personnel did not use force or discharge their firearms, I felt that it would be better for an outside agency to investigate the matter, thereby removing any doubt about the circumstances surrounding Mr. West’s death,” Thonton said Monday.
“My prayers and thoughts go out to Mr. West’s family as they cope with the loss of their loved one.”
Thornton stated that the deputies involved were allowed to return to duty after reviewing the preliminary investigation.
The SBI is expected to forward its completed investigative file to District Attorney Dewey Hudson. The probe, officials say, may take several weeks.
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.
Get off your high horse and apologized to that mother and her daughter and stop your whining to me. It's obvious I don't care what you have to say.
You did not know my brother, who was a warm hearted individual, would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was not the type to go around hurting people diliberately. Yet YOU take great pleasure in continually hurting my family. If I was near you, I would give you a good ear full. You just keep in my that what ever you sew, you will reap.
Perheps you were the person that was with his so-called girlfriend and that is the reason you keep calling him "dumb" and a "bum". Maybe those additives fit him because he loved someone who didn't deserve him and cause all this drama. If you are the person, everytime you take a "piss" I hope you see his hand on you "JOHN". I know this post will only make you mad, but so am I. Why don't you wait until the "so called" investigation is over for the truth to come out or do you already know it and just standing/waiting around for everyone else to know it too.
I am not afraid to sign my name which is Mary Kannon-Powell (Ann) as everyone calls me. I am (was) Monzell's oldest sister.
Yes, we can continue this banter forever, but is it worth it?
Next comment, please.
Unsuccessful? Seems like success to me. Great Job, SampCo Sheriff's Department. One less bum in the criminal justice system for Dewey Hudson to make a plea deal with less tax dollars wasted.