Sawyer Felton Frye Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man shot and killed by law enforcement in Pinehurst during an altercation earlier this week. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) confirmed that the deceased individual is 37-year-old Sawyer Felton Frye.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the Pinehurst Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious person on Remington Lane. According to officials, Frye was present at the scene while firefighters were actively working to extinguish a fire. During the response, he reportedly grabbed an axe from the fire department.
As police arrived, Frye allegedly advanced toward the officers while holding the axe. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, he ignored their warnings and ran toward them, officials said. In response to the immediate threat, one officer discharged their firearm, striking Frye.
Emergency responders transported Frye to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The NCSBI has launched an investigation into the shooting, reviewing the circumstances leading up to the incident and the actions taken by law enforcement. As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, officials will determine whether the use of force was justified.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the initial fire at the scene or what led Frye to confront officers. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.
