Suspect Shoots 3 Workers Clearing Tree Before Getting Shot By Police

A is in custody for allegedly shooting three men who worked for tree-clearing company Asplundh near Murphytown, North Carolina, on Wednesday (July 24). The Yancey County Sheriff's Office said that 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted the workers, who were clearing trees for the power company, and shot them.

"Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot," the sheriff's office said in a statement . "All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment."

When officers arrived at the scene, they exchanged gunfire with Murphy, wounding him.

He was then taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment. Officials did not say what charges Murphy is facing.

Investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting and are trying to understand why Murphy confronted the three workers.

"I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of today's shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly," Sheriff Shane Hilliard said in a statement .