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The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect and the deputies involved in an incident Tuesday at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center that turned deadly.

According to a PCSO news release issued Wednesday afternoon, April 9, 2025, the suspect was identified as Michael Shane Clarke, 51, of Elizabeth City. On the afternoon of April 10, PCSO released the names of the deputies who were put on leave: Corporal David Shelton (five years of service), Deputy Samuel Wentz (four years of service) and Deputy Ryan Kowalski (four years of service). They are still on paid administrative leave, as of Thursday afternoon.

According to PCSO, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 1:13 a.m., Central Communications received a call from the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center that a male subject had entered the emergency room armed with a handgun. Central Communications dispatched law enforcement to the scene at 1:14 a.m. Law enforcement from the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and the Elizabeth City Police Dept. arrived on scene at 1:18 a.m. (3 minutes and 26 seconds response time) and made their way into the ER waiting room area.

“Law enforcement found a male suspect in the ER triage room armed with a handgun. The suspect pointed the handgun at law enforcement who exchanged gunfire with the suspect,” stated a PCSO news release. “The suspect was struck with gunfire from law enforcement and was able to receive immediate medical care by ER staff. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

“Initial information from the scene indicates that the suspect entered the ER and pointed the handgun at multiple ER personnel,” the release continued. “A security guard with Sentara attempted to subdue the suspect before law enforcement arrived. The security guard received injuries when assaulted by the suspect. Injures to the security guard occurred when the suspect hit the security guard with the handgun. The security guard also received treatment at the ER.”

It was reported that three PCSO deputies fired at the suspect and no members of law enforcement received any injuries. “These three deputies are currently on administrative leave with pay pending investigation. The NC State Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation of this incident,” stated PCSO.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation stated that once the investigation is complete, findings will be submitted to the First Prosecutorial District Attorney for review.

This investigation is currently ongoing by North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

“Our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Clarke,” stated PCSO.

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