A quiet North Carolina community has been rocked by tragedy after police officers shot and killed a 14-year-old boy who had allegedly stabbed his grandmother to death during a domestic disturbance.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Tuesday evening in Lincolnton, approximately 40 miles northwest of Charlotte, when Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies responded to emergency calls reporting a domestic violence situation in progress.
A Desperate Scene Unfolds
Upon arrival at the residential property, officers encountered a scene of unimaginable violence. The teenage boy, identified as Landen Christopher Rou, was found armed with a knife and actively assaulting his 62-year-old grandmother, Teresa Ann Poulos.
Despite repeated commands from law enforcement to drop the weapon, the situation escalated rapidly. "Deputies gave numerous commands for the juvenile to drop the knife," stated Sheriff Bill Beam in an official press conference.
Fatal Intervention
When the teenager refused to comply with police orders and continued to pose an immediate threat, one deputy was forced to discharge their service weapon. The single gunshot struck the boy, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Tragically, emergency medical services pronounced Teresa Ann Poulos deceased at the scene from multiple stab wounds. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the boy lived at the residence with his grandmother.
Investigation Underway
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken charge of the case, conducting a thorough review of the officer-involved shooting. This follows standard procedure for such incidents across the state.
Sheriff Beam expressed the profound impact the event has had on all involved, stating: "This is a terrible tragedy for the family, for the deputy involved, and for our community."
The deputy responsible for the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
Community in Mourning
Neighbours and community members have expressed shock and devastation at the double tragedy. The incident has raised difficult questions about mental health resources and domestic violence intervention, particularly involving juveniles.
As investigations continue, the tight-knit community of Lincolnton mourns the loss of two lives in what authorities describe as one of the most heartbreaking cases they've encountered.
