FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has identified Craig Handzel, a resident of Pitt County, as the armed individual who was fatally shot by a Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputy on Sunday night, following a tense standoff in a residential neighborhood near Claude Lee Road, close to the Fayetteville Regional Airport.
The incident began when Handzel reportedly started a small brush fire in a field. Firefighters from the Pearce’s Mill Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the flames. However, upon arrival, they observed that Handzel was armed with a handgun and immediately called for law enforcement backup.
As deputies arrived on the scene and located Handzel lying in a yard on Catherine Drive, he was seen holding a firearm to his chest. Despite repeated verbal commands to drop the weapon, Handzel refused to comply, according to officials. The situation escalated, resulting in Deputy J.C. Murray firing his weapon, striking and killing Handzel. Deputy Murray, who has been with the sheriff’s office since June 2023, was the only officer to discharge a weapon during the confrontation.
Eyewitnesses recounted the disturbing sequence of events. Isaac Murphy, a neighbor, said he spotted Handzel with a gun but chose not to approach for safety. Andrea Wirts, visiting her mother nearby, initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks, estimating six to eight shots were fired.
The SBI has since launched a formal investigation into the use of deadly force. In accordance with department policy, four deputies have been placed on administrative leave, including Deputy Murray. The identities of the other deputies have not been released, and investigators have not confirmed how many total shots were fired.
While much about Handzel’s motives remain unclear, social media posts suggest he was connected to a motorcycle group that supports military personnel and veterans in eastern North Carolina. His ties to the veteran community have been acknowledged, though no additional background information has been made public.
The Handzel family has declined to comment at this time. The investigation by the SBI is ongoing, with no timeline given for the release of further findings. Community members and officials alike await answers, as the tragic incident raises questions about mental health, public safety, and use of force in high-stakes encounters.
Leave a Reply