The man who shot a Wilkes County deputy this morning has died following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.

A man identified as James Monroe Barrett, 60, 3659 Bethel Road, Jonesville, was shot in during a shootout with law enforcement in pursuit of him. The shootings occurred in Ronda.

Barrett shot the deputy who was responding to a domestic dispute that involved Barrett. Barrett is also believed to have then set a house on fire before fleeing into the woods. Law enforcement pursued him.

The unidentified deputy was airlifted from the scene.

The SBI, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, Wilkesboro Police Department, State Highway Patrol and NC Wildlife conducted the manhunt that resulted in Barrett’s arrest. This investigation is ongoing.

Contact: Teresa West 
(919) 582-8511