Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor

Alvin W. Keller Jr.
Secretary

North Carolina Department of Correction

Offender shot and killed

 CANTON - An offender was shot and later died following a struggle with his probation officer Wednesday night in Canton. Probation officer Aaron Budhistiawan’s weapon was fired during the struggle with offender Robert Aaron Mathews (0843573).

Mathews, 29, was transported to Haywood Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8 p.m. He has been on probation for misdemeanor larceny since January 2011. Mathews has previous convictions going back to 2004 for assault on a policeman, simple assault, possession of methamphetamines and distribution of a precursor for methamphetamines. He has twice been revoked from probation, which in one case resulted in active prison time in 2010.

The department has initiated an internal investigation and has administratively reassigned Officer Budhistiawan to desk duties, which is routine for officer involved shootings. The SBI started its investigation at the scene of the incident last night.

“The department deeply regrets that this incident resulted in Mr. Mathews’ death,” said Secretary Alvin W. Keller. “The department offers its condolences to the Mathews’ family.”

The Secretary added, “Everyday our officers are supervising thousands of offenders in our communities. It is tragic that in the course of the officer carrying out his duties, last night's encounter ended this way.”

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North Carolina Department of Correction
Public Information Office     4202 Mail Service Center     Raleigh NC 27699-4202
Phone (919) 716-3700      Fax: (919) 716-3795     www.doc.state.nc.us