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Craig Patrick Handzel

Gender : Male

Age : 52

Race : White

Date : 07/20/2025

Location : Catherine Drive

City : Fayetteville

County : Cumberland

State : North Carolina

Agency : Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during arrest

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On the night of July 20, 2025, deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist firefighters battling a brush fire near Airline Drive in Fayetteville. Firefighters reported seeing an armed man in the vicinity. Deputies located Craig Patrick Handzel on Catherine Drive shortly after 10 p.m. When officers ordered Handzel to drop his weapon, he allegedly pointed the firearm directly at them. In response, a deputy discharged their weapon, fatally shooting Handzel at the scene.
The incident has prompted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to launch a full inquiry. Four deputies involved in the operation were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The circumstances surrounding Handzel’s actions and the officers’ response remain under active review, with officials stating that body cameras were in use during the encounter.
The community reaction has been cautious, with calls for transparency and a thorough investigation. No injuries to law enforcement officers were reported during the incident.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wral.com/news/local/man-dead-deputies-shooting-brushfire-cumberland-july-2025/
https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/cumberland-county-news/authorities-identify-armed-man-killed-by-deputy-during-weekend-shooting-in-cumberland-county-ncsbi/
https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/cumberland-county-deputy-kills-armed-man-at-brush-fire-sheriffs-office-reports/
https://abc11.com/post/armed-man-shot-killed-cumberland-county-deputy-he-pointed-firearm-sheriffs-office-says/17223725/