3 tree workers shot while clearing way for power company before suspect shot by cops during arrest

A man shot three tree workers while they were clearing trees for a power company before being shot himself by police officers during his arrest, police said.

The incident began near Murphytown, North Carolina, located in the Green Mountain area of Yancey County, when local resident 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted contract workers clearing the right of way for the power company, according to a statement from the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office released on Wednesday.

“Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot,” authorities said in their statement. “All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment.”

Yancey County Deputies immediately responded to the scene and began to exchange gunfire with Murphy as they attempted to arrest him.

Read more: ABC News