Fayetteville, North Carolina Man Confronts Firefighters, Police With Gun In Leaf-Burning Confrontation

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- A Fayetteville police officer shot a man who authorities said became argumentative after being told he couldn't burn leaves.

Steven Francis Newman, 54, was shot in the stomach after a confrontation with officer Larry Deal, police said in a news release.

Newman was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition. Deal was not injured.

The confrontation began Monday afternoon when the Fayetteville Fire Department went to Newman's home to investigate a report of illegal burning.

When Newman told firefighters to leave his property, they left and called police. Deal, the first officer to arrive, knocked on a door inside the carport after Newman didn't answer the front door, police said.

Assistant Chief Philip Cannady said Newman came out and was argumentative and belligerent toward Deal and the firefighters.

Newman went back into the house and got a handgun, Cannady said, adding that Deal then fired his gun because he believed his life was threatened.

Deal was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation.