Craig Patrick Handzel Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the man who was fatally shot by a deputy in Cumberland County over the weekend as Craig Patrick Handzel. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) released his name on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing probe into the incident.
The shooting took place on Sunday night, July 20, when deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office were called to assist firefighters. Around 9:58 p.m., units responded to a report from the Pearce’s Mill Fire Department, who were battling a brush fire in the 4000 block of Airline Drive. During the firefighting efforts, firefighters reportedly saw a man at the scene holding a firearm and requested assistance from law enforcement.
Upon arrival, deputies began searching the surrounding area and located the suspect — later confirmed to be Handzel — nearby in the 4000 block of Catherine Drive. Deputies ordered the armed individual to drop his weapon. According to the sheriff’s office, instead of complying, Handzel allegedly pointed his firearm at the deputies. This prompted one of the deputies to fire at the suspect in response to the perceived threat.
Following the shooting, deputies administered emergency life-saving measures on Handzel until medical personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead at the scene.
In accordance with standard procedures for officer-involved shootings, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation to ensure an impartial review of the incident. Additionally, the sheriff’s office confirmed that all deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant details or information to come forward to assist with the investigation. The public can contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office of Internal Affairs at (910) 677-5420 or reach out to the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.
This fatal shooting underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies treat critical incidents involving use of force. Both the sheriff’s office and the NCSBI are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation and whether all protocols were properly followed.
No further details have been released at this time about the events leading up to the brush fire or what may have motivated Handzel to bring a firearm to the scene. Investigators will likely review body camera footage, interview witnesses, and collect evidence from the scene to build a full picture of what transpired.
As the investigation continues, community members and officials alike await answers regarding the confrontation that led to Handzel’s death. Authorities emphasize that maintaining transparency and accountability remains central to their approach in such cases, especially those involving deadly force by law enforcement.
