Man shot by SWAT officer during no-knock search warrant identified

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities said a SWAT team member shot a convicted felon Wednesday inside a home in Burke County after a nearly 30-minute standoff where the man threatened to kill himself and law enforcement officers.

Deputies said the shooting happened just after noon at a mobile home on Airport Rhodhiss Road.

Investigators identified the man who was shot as 50-year-old Johnny Allen Kaylor. They said he is in critical but stable condition.

(Johnny Allen Kaylor)

Officials told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty that the gunfire erupted following the execution of a no-knock search warrant served by Burke County Sheriff's Office Narcotics investigators.

A no-knock warrant is a warrant issued by a judge that allows law enforcement officers to enter a property without telling the residents beforehand.

According to a release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office, the warrant was issued with information that the suspect and others in the mobile home had guns and were sometimes armed. Authorities say the suspect is a convicted felon and is not legally permitted to have firearms.

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When officers went inside, they found Kaylor in a bedroom. Officials said he refused repeated commands to get out of bed and refused to show officers his hands, which were hidden under the sheets.

“He kept telling officers I’m gonna kill you I’m gonna make you kill me," Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant said. "He kept making rapid movements under the sheet. Then finally he made a quick movement with his hands and the SWAT officer shot him.”

Officers immediately began administering first aid and Kaylor was flown to Baptist Hospital with serious injuries. Authorities later revealed the man had been shot in the leg.

Before a SWAT team entered the mobile home, a woman inside was escorted out, according to the release.

Investigators said they seized a semi-automatic handgun, prescription medications, a small amount of marijuana and 273 grams of methamphetamine. They said the methamphetamine has a street value of $27,300.

Deputies said the methamphetamine and gun were found near the bed where the shooting happened.

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Authorities said no officers were hurt.

Two of the man's neighbors said police were frequently called to that home.

“I just know he’s wired up and he carries a gun with him all the time and stuff," neighbor Sam Dunn told Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty.

The SBI has been called to investigate the shooting and the SWAT officer was placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of that investigation.

Kaylor has not yet been served with any criminal charges.

Check back with wsocvtv.com for updates on this developing story.

Cox Media Group