No burglary at slain deputy’s home, Wake County Sheriff’s Office says

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office refuted media reports Tuesday that a burglary happened at the home of slain sheriff’s Deputy Ned Byrd.

“There has been false information disseminated regarding the theft of property from Deputy Byrd’s residence,” Wake County Chief Legal Advisor Rick Brown said in a news release.

“Certain property was temporarily removed from the residence because of a civil dispute and has since been recovered. This office is taking appropriate action as a result,” the release stated.

The release followed reports by media outlets including The News & Observer that a burglary was investigated at Byrd’s home days after his death.

Byrd’s 2019 Toyota Tacoma and 2020 Flyer camping trailer were reported stolen sometime late Saturday or early Sunday, according to an incident report obtained by ABC11, The N&O’s news gathering partner.

The report described the incident as “Burglary — Non Forced Entry.”

The report was filed Sunday, according to WRAL, which first reported the incident. But WRAL spoke with a family member and property owner who said that the truck, valued at $30,000, and the camping trailer, valued at $20,000, were not “missing.”

Deputy shot multiple times

‘Byrd, a 13-year veteran of the department, was shot multiple times while on patrol Thursday night. Officials have not charged anyone or named any suspects in his death.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Byrd reported at 11 p.m. Thursday to the scene of a domestic incident in southeast Wake County. After finishing there, he recorded his notes, a process that could take 30 to 45 minutes.

After dispatchers did not hear from Byrd, a deputy was sent to find the unmarked SUV Byrd was driving with his police dog Sasha. Byrd was found with multiple gunshot injuries shortly before 1 a.m. near a gas station on Auburn Knightdale Road and Battle Bridge Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office began seeking the public’s help identifying a light-colored pickup truck spotted near the scene around the time of Byrd’s shooting.

“The vehicle is a single cab pickup truck similar to a Chevrolet Colorado or a GMC Canyon,” according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Byrd’s death has been decried by the law enforcement community. Filled with emotion, Sheriff Gerald Baker made a solemn vow to find those responsible.

“I don’t have very long, but I’ll spend every single second left bringing this person to justice. That I promise. That I vow,” Baker, who recently lost a bid for re-election, told Wake County leaders on Monday.

The N.C. Sheriffs’ Association announced on Monday a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those involved in Byrd’s shooting.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at 919-306-6931 or 919-306-7748.

Byrd’s visitation will take place from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at Mitchell Funeral Home 7209 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Providence Baptist Church, 6339 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh.