By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SPENCER ó A Spencer man was shot to death early Friday morning by a Spencer Police officer when he lunged at the officer with a knife.
Christopher Dupree Kluttz, a former Spencer police officer, was shot to death by Spencer reserve officer Gene Houpe just after 4 a.m.
Houpe was called out to the Kluttz home at 205 S. Carolina Ave. around 2 a.m.
According to Spencer Police Chief Robert Bennett, Kluttz had called the suicide hotline earlier and Rowan Communications requested an officer check on Kluttz.
When Houpe left, Kluttz indicated he was going to bed. The officer returned to check on Kluttz once more. Houpe went inside to talk with Kluttz.
Kluttz advanced on the officer with a 12-inch kitchen knife. The officer fired.
Houpe is on administrative leave. The Spencer Police Department and the SBI are investigating the matter.
See Saturday’s Post for more details.