According to Chief Greg Jordan, a motel landlord was able to use his firearm to successfully stop a knife-wielding man advancing on him Saturday night.

The incident occurred at the Driftwood Motel in Oak Island, NC., a quiet beach town

“It’s so quiet and a family-friendly and a low-key place where you don’t expect any action or crime,” said beachgoer Elizabeth Finley, who heard the pair of gunshots.

Authorities say at approximately 11:15 p.m., 36-year-old Michael Christopher Auvil, who used to live at the motel, pulled a knife on the landlord during a verbal argument. Witnesses told police that as Auvil continued to advance, the landlord acted in self-defense; drawing his firearm, taking aim, and shooting his armed attacker.

Auvil was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It is very upsetting when something like this happens in your community,” Oak Island Mayor Cin Brochure said in a statement Monday. “This is a small town and many of our residents know the parties involved. Our police department is working with the district attorney on the investigation and we will release more details as we are able.”

The incident is still under investigation and authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Oak Island police at 910-278-5595 or [email protected].

We report it here every day – guns can and do save lives!