On December 20, 2024, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Haywood County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a suspicious person near Harmon Den horse camp. The subject, identified as 42-year-old Michael Shope of Fletcher, NC, was armed with a knife and attacked a Haywood County deputy. Fortunately, the deputy’s protective vest prevented serious injury. The deputy then discharged his service weapon, striking the subject as the subject continued to attack him. Deputies on scene requested Emergency Medical Services, who responded and later pronounced Mr. Shope deceased at the scene. This remains an active and ongoing investigation in cooperation with the Fletcher Police Department, who had been actively looking for Shope since December 3rd of this year, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No further details will be released at this time.
