Death by Cop 2022-2024
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Michael Andrew Houser
Gender : Male
Age : 51
Race : White
Date : 09/30/2023
Location : Teaster Valley Lane
City : Banner Elk
County : Avery
State : North Carolina
Agency : Avery County SO
Officer(s) :Brendan Smith
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Detention officer killed deer and neighbor
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
Detention officer Brenden James Smith was deer-hunting with a bow and arrow and shot and injured a deer. The deer fled to his neighbor’s land, Mike Houser’s property, and the animal died there. Smith allegedly trespassed onto the property after the deer and the 2 neighbors got into a heated argument that ended when officer Smith shot and killed Houser at or near his home. The officer has not been charged so far. He is an officer for the Avery County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Brendan Smith is on paid leave now while the NC State Bureau of Investigations has been tasked with the investigation.
