MANNS HARBOR, NORTH CAROLINA — Authorities are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting that took place early Sunday morning following a routine traffic stop. Officials have confirmed the identity of the man who died after the encounter and say the case remains under active review by state investigators.
The deceased has been identified as 49-year-old Truman Gibson. According to law enforcement, the incident began around 1:50 a.m. along U.S. Route 64 near Shipyard Road in Manns Harbor when a deputy stopped Gibson for a routine traffic violation. What began as a standard traffic stop quickly escalated into a serious confrontation.
Investigators say Gibson allegedly resisted arrest during the encounter, which led to a physical struggle between him and the deputy. During the confrontation, a weapon was discharged. Gibson was struck and suffered life-threatening injuries at the scene. Authorities have not released additional details about how the firearm was discharged or what immediately led up to the escalation.
Emergency responders rushed Gibson to Outer Banks Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts to save his life, he was later pronounced dead. Officials confirmed that no deputies or other individuals were injured during the incident.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has taken over the case and is conducting an independent investigation, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Investigators are reviewing available evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence collected at the scene to determine the full sequence of events.
Preliminary information shared by authorities indicates that Gibson was wanted in connection with a probation violation and also had an outstanding extradition warrant related to a previous legal matter. However, officials stress that these details are part of an ongoing investigation and do not change the need for a full review of the incident.
Authorities have not released the name of the deputy involved, and further details remain limited as investigators continue their work in Manns Harbor. Officials are urging the public to allow the investigative process to continue and say more information will be released once verified and appropriate for public disclosure.
