Fireman shot with AR15 in North Carolina while responding to a fire alarm, suspect now in custody and facing serious charges
What Happened in Ellerbe?
According to officials, the Ellerbe Fire Department received an emergency alert for a fire alarm on Green Lake Road. When crews arrived, including a fire truck and another firefighter traveling separately, they were unexpectedly met with gunfire.
The unidentified firefighter was struck in the leg by a round from an AR-15-style rifle and was airlifted to a nearby trauma center for emergency medical treatment.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
The alleged shooter, identified as Timothy Lee Hayden, has been taken into custody. He faces the following felony charges:
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Two counts of assault on emergency personnel with a firearm
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One count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury
Hayden is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Richmond County Court on September 10, 2025.
SBI Takes Over Investigation
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) has joined local law enforcement to investigate the shooting and determine what prompted the violent encounter during a routine emergency call.
No motive has been released at this time, and the identity of the injured firefighter has not yet been made public.
