WCSO Deputy Fatally Wounded In Shooting That Also Leaves Suspect Dead



Hearts are saddened acoss the high country tonight after the loss of one of Watauga County's finest. 24 year old William Mast Jr, a Deputy with the Watauga County Sheriff's Department, was fatally wounded in a shooting incident shortly after 1 a.m. this morning. The shooting took place at a trailor located at 2130 Hardin Road in the Deep Gap Community. Upon arrival to the scene, the suspect opened fire on Mast. After being hit, another Deputy who was with Mast opened fire on the suspect, killing him as well. Authorities have not released any details on the suspect as of earlier this evening. It is believed to be that Mast and another officer were called out to the location on a Domestic call. Units with the Highway Patrol blocked off the road leading to the scene this morning as the SBI and other authorities investigated. The road was closed until around 11:45am when authorities wrapped up their investigation at the scene. Officer Mast leaves behind a wife and an unborn child.