Iredell deputy involved in shooting

Published 4:49 pm Monday, November 26, 2018

An Iredell County Sheriff’s deputy shot a man who pointed a gun at her on Saturday.

Peter Scott Hay, 54, of Tall Oak Drive, Mooresville, was shot and transported to Carolinas Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. He was later charged with assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor communicating threats.

On Saturday, the Iredell Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a domestic dispute between a father and son at the Tall Oaks Drive home.

Deputy Joanna Smith, an eight-year law enforcement veteran, answered the call. As she approached the door of the home, she could hear people screaming inside the house. She announced her presence and said she was with the Sheriff’s Office. She also used a flashlight to make her presence known.

The suspect came out of a room with a handgun and approached the front door. She told Hay to drop the gun, but he did not. When Hay opened the front door, he raised the gun and pointed it at Smith. She fired, striking Hay. She then secured his weapon and gave first aid. She noted the suspect was “extremely intoxicated.”

Hay was returned to the Iredell County jail once he was treated and charged. A magistrate set his bond at $150,000.

The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting, as is standard procedure. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an internal investigation. Smith is on administrative leave while the investigations continue.

Sheriff Darren E. Campbell said, “I always want our officers to come home safe. In this case it appears the deputy responded appropriately to the threat of deadly force she faced, and did everything possible to protect herself and the victim who called us for help.”

According to the report from the sheriff, while “Deputy Smith was rendering medical aid to the suspect, a witness heard him stating ‘I should have just shot her.’”