Deputy shot, officer assaulted outside detention facility while securing warrants

BUNCOMBE COUNTY,N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy is recovering after he was shot outside the Buncombe County Detention Facility on Sunday morning.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened at around 1:40 a.m. when a deputy was securing warrants and assisting a woman at the magistrate’s office with securing a protective order from an incident that had recently occurred.

Deputies said the suspect, 40-year-old Ryan Ricky Houston, walked into the detention facility and in the lobby, where the magistrate’s office is located.

The deputy and police officer then approached Houston to arrest him, but Houston resisted arrest and an altercation ensued.

During the altercation, Houston shot the deputy, later identified as Deputy William Johnston, in the shoulder and the deputy returned gunfire hitting Houston, according to deputies. The officer was also assaulted during the altercation.

Deputies said Houston fled the scene, but was later taken into custody.

Both Houston and Johnston were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment.

Johnston is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

According to deputies, Houston is facing the following charges:

• Attempted first-degree murder
• Assault inflicting serious bodily injury
• Two counts of assault LEO/PIO with firearm
• Injury to personal property

However, additional charges could be added.

On Monday, May 8, deputies said Houston remains in custody at the hospital.

The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation is investigating.

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