NC Officers Shot Responding to House Fire, Suspect Killed

Three first responders were injured after someone inside a burning Rowan County, NC, home fired shots at them, authorities said.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters were called to a fire around 12:38 a.m. Friday. Law enforcement also responded.

As first responders approached the back of the home, officials said Ronald Wayne Green, 45, began shooting. Green was killed after exchanging gunfire with police, WBTV reports.

Three emergency responders were injured and are expected to be OK: An officer had a gunshot wound to the face, another officer had a gunshot wound to the hand, and a firefighter received gunshot wounds to the face and leg.

Green's son, whose name is also Ron, told WCNC Charlotte his father had been facing some mental health problems recently. He said he was next door with his mother when he heard the house was on fire.

"He was going through some depression. That's really all I know," Ron said. "I heard my mom say it was on fire, so I ran next door to try to get him. He didn't want to go. He simply made his choice."

"He might've just felt that he simply was too far gone already," Ron said. "So he decided it was a good time to go."