New this evening, the Watauga County Sheriff's Office has released new details in the shooting that took the life of Watauga County Deputy William Mast Jr. According to Sheriff Len Hagaman, the shooter is identified as 33 year old Mitchell Allen Trivette. Just before 1 am Thursday morning, Officer mast and Watauga Deputy Preston Russell were dispatched to the mobile home at 2130 Hardin Road in Deep Gap after 911 Communications recieved an open line call in which a call came into the dispatch center, but no one was on the line. Upon arrival, Trivette opened fire up[on the officers, striking Mast. Russell returned fire, striking Trivette and calling for back-up, reporting shots fired and an officer was down. Deputies arrived shortly after to secure the scene as Watauga Medics attended to Officer Mast and Trivette, transfering both to the Watauga Medical Center where they were pronounced dead upon arrival. There has been no other information released on Trivette, who does not have an extensive criminal history, only being charged of communicating threats back in 2003 and being found not guilty. The question why still remains in the case as to why the 911 call was made that morning and why did Trivette open fire on the Officers upon arrival. Funeral arrangements have been set for Officer Mast. Funeral services for Deputy Mast will be conducted Tuesday, July 31st at 2 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Masonic graveside services and burial with law enforcement honors will follow at the Mast Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the William Hunter Mast Scholarship Fund, in care of Highland Union Bank, 1013 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC 28607. The family will receive friends Monday evening, July 30th, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the Mast family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
For additional information, please contact the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 264-3761.