Iredell sheriff: Possible explosive found where officers shot man

Iredell County investigators found a possible explosive device in the home where sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man during a confrontation in Statesville, the county’s sheriff said Wednesday.

State Bureau of Investigation agents found the device Tuesday as they went into the home and deputies tried to serve an eviction notice, Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a news release. A bomb disposal unit handled the device without incident.

Samuel Edward Grady, 55, confronted two deputies with a large knife, the sheriff said. A third deputy arrived, and officers reported that shots were fired. Campbell said previously that the man lunged at the officers.

There was no indication Grady had a prior criminal record, according to a search of a courts database and a Department of Corrections online search.

Campbell says it appears his officers followed proper policies and procedures.

The officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay during an internal investigation.

Deputy John Fletcher has 14 years of law enforcement experience. Deputy Reggie Allen has 16 years of service. Deputy Roger Vargas has about three years of experience.

The SBI is looking into any criminal activity at the home, the sheriff said.

In an interview with WBTV, the Observer’s news partner, Campbell said the incident is “tragic for all the families involved, not just ours but for theirs. There are several families that this will affect and you never want it to happen, so our thoughts and prayers are with all involved at this point.”

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Iredell sheriff: Possible explosive found where officers shot man."