On Monday December 12th, 2022 at approximately 11pm Cherokee County E911 Communications received a 911 call indicating a disturbance with several gun shots fired at 1790 Upper Bear Paw Road. Cherokee County Deputies were immediately dispatched and arrived on the scene at approximately 11:17pm. Deputies attempted to make contact with the alleged shooter but was unsuccessful. Recognizing there was an armed suspect present and the potential for a hostage situation, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant and requested assistance from the Cherokee Indian Police Department SWAT Team. The suspected shooter engaged in a verbal altercation with officers and emerged from a camper trailer and confronted officers. Members of the Cherokee Indian Police SWAT Team fired upon the suspect and wounded him. The suspect was transported to Erlanger in Chattanooga Tennessee where he was last reported in stable condition.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations was called to investigate the matter. After consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, Jason Harley Kloepfer, age 41, of 1790 Upper Bear Paw Road, Murphy, NC has been charged with Communicating Threats and Resist, Obstruct, and Delay. The matter remains under investigation and more charges may follow. Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith wishes to thank the Cherokee Indian Police Department, Cherokee County EMS, and Cherokee County E911 Communications for their assistance with this incident. If anyone has any information about this incident please contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigation’ s Division at 828 837-2589.