Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a body was located in a wooded area behind a residence on Henry’s Ridge Road near U.S. 64 in Pittsboro, in connection with the March 31 incident involving an 18-year-old male. The Chatham County Medical Examiner’s Office has been called to the scene.
There is no ongoing threat to the community.
Deputies initially responded after receiving a report on the evening of March 31 in the area of Henry’s Ridge Road near the U.S. 64 intersection in Pittsboro, that a young man was experiencing a mental health crisis and had threatened to harm himself and law enforcement.
Upon arrival, deputies established a safe perimeter and, working with 911 dispatchers, were able to contact him by phone, in an effort to help the individual and de-escalate the situation. During this time, the young man retreated into a large, wooded area behind the residence. The individual discharged a firearm before moving further into the woods. North Carolina Emergency Management notified residents through a wireless emergency alert system to make them aware of the ongoing situation.
The individual, identified as William Bass, is described as a white male, 18 years old, approximately 6 feet tall and 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Investigative efforts, including cellphone location data, indicated the individual moved deeper into the wooded area before phone contact was lost, likely after the phone was turned off. Deputies utilized drone technology in an effort to locate him.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. Chatham County Sheriff’s Office also thanks the Durham County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and the public for their awareness and cooperation throughout the incident.