SBI clears Lee County deputy in shooting

SANFORD - A State Bureau of Investigation probe has cleared a Lee County deputy of any wrongdoing in a shooting that injured a man in December, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Ronnie Bass used "reasonable and warranted force" when he shot Gilmer Escobar on Dec. 9.

The shooting happened at Escobar's home in Dreamland Mobile Home Park at 2908 St. Andrews Church Road after deputies received a call that Escobar was going to commit suicide.

When deputies arrived, they encountered Escobar with a knife and what was believed to be a pistol.

Escobar pointed the gun, later found to be a toy pistol, at Bass, the release said.

Bass shot Escobar in the arm.

Escobar was treated at Central Carolina Hospital and released, and sent for a mental evaluation, the release said.

Escobar was charged with assault on an officer with a firearm, the release said.

The SBI investigates any officer-related shootings.