Ellerbe, North Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident in Ellerbe, North Carolina, Timothy Lee Hayden has been charged after allegedly shooting a firefighter who was responding to a false fire alarm. The confrontation occurred in the early hours, resulting in injuries to the firefighter, who was airlifted for treatment. Hayden faces multiple serious charges and was apprehended at the scene after a brief standoff with authorities.
Ellerbe, North Carolina
A man named Timothy Lee Hayden has been charged after allegedly shooting a firefighter who was responding to a false fire alarm in rural North Carolina. The incident took place on September 1, 2025, around 4:30 a.m. in Ellerbe, which is approximately 75 miles southeast of Charlotte.
The Ellerbe Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm on Green Lake Road when the firefighters encountered an unexpected situation upon arrival. Instead of addressing a fire, they were met with gunfire from Hayden, armed with an AR-15-style rifle. During the confrontation, one firefighter sustained injuries after being shot in the leg.
Richmond County deputies were quickly alerted to the scene and apprehended Hayden after a brief standoff. He now faces several serious charges including two counts of assault on emergency personnel with a firearm and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury.
The wounded firefighter was airlifted to a trauma center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for treatment. No additional details have been released regarding the firefighter’s current condition.
Following his arrest, Hayden was booked into the Richmond County jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 11, where he will face the charges related to this alarming incident.
Background Information
Timothy Lee Hayden operates Hayden Construction, which specializes in fire and water restoration services. He is also a managing member of Paratus Outfitters, a gun store located in Rockingham, North Carolina. The motive for the false alarm that triggered this tragic event remains unclear as there was reportedly no fire on the property at the time firefighters arrived.
The ongoing investigation has drawn assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident better. As authorities continue their work, the community of Ellerbe remains shaken by the events of that early morning.
Incident Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | September 1, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m. |
| Location | Green Lake Road, Ellerbe, North Carolina |
| Charge Against Suspect | Two counts of assault on emergency personnel with a firearm; one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury |
| Weapon Used | AR-15-style rifle |
| Injuries | One firefighter shot in the leg |
| Immediate Response | Richmond County deputies apprehended Hayden |
| Next Court Appearance | September 11, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Ellerbe, North Carolina?
Timothy Lee Hayden shot a firefighter responding to a false fire alarm on September 1, 2025. The firefighter sustained a leg injury and was airlifted for treatment.
What charges has Timothy Hayden faced?
Hayden has been charged with two counts of assault on emergency personnel with a firearm and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury.
When is Timothy Hayden’s next court appearance?
Hayden is scheduled to appear in court on September 11, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WITN News
- Wikipedia: Ellerbe, North Carolina
- WCNC News
- Google Search: NORTH CAROLINA FIREFIGHTER SHOT
- Firehouse
- Google Scholar: Firefighter assaults
- WXII News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighter safety
- ABC News
- Google News: NORTH CAROLINA FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOT
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