Peaceful Outcome after Man Barricades Himself in Residence

On February 2, 2026 at 11:02am, Deputies and Officers with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and Washington Police Department responded to a Domestic Dispute between a mother and son at a residence in the 2000 block of West 5th Street in Washington.

When Deputies arrived, they learned that 35-year-old Mason Banks Brown of Washington NC, had assaulted his elderly mother. When confronted by Law Enforcement, Brown charged a Deputy with a knife. Tasers and pepper spray were deployed but were ineffective. Following that encounter, Brown fled into the home and barricaded himself inside. Deputies assisted Brown’s mother out of a separate door and moved her to a safe location.

Additional members from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Police Department, North Carolina Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Washington Fire/EMS and Beaufort County Emergency Services arrived on scene and established a perimeter. Communication was established with Brown over a loudspeaker. Brown exited the residence and was taken into custody at 12:47pm without further incident.

Brown was charged with Felony Assault With a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official and Resisting a Public Officer. Brown was confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond. Brown was also served with a warrant for arrest charging him with misdemeanor Assault on a Female and placed under a $5,000 secured bond for that charge.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds expresses his appreciation to the Law Enforcement Officers, Fire and EMS responders, and Emergency Services personnel who responded quickly and worked together to achieve the best outcome.

With increased risk to first responders during these types of incidents, we are grateful to have cutting edge technology, specialized training, and partnerships with surrounding agencies at our disposal to ensure the safest outcome possible.

Drones, K9s, and Specialized Vehicles have been utilized along with Specialized Entry Teams and Less Lethal Weapons to provide more options in these incidents and reduce the likelihood of deadly force.