Raeford, NC – The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office is commending the heroic and life-saving actions of deputies, who forced entry into a residence on Pony Path early Thursday morning to help an unresponsive woman during a medical emergency.
On November 13, 2025, at approximately 1:39 AM, Hoke County Communications received a 911 call from Ms. Karen Hudson, of 197 Pony Path. Ms. Hudson initially reported she was experiencing difficulty breathing. During the call, dispatchers observed that she suddenly stopped responding while the line remained open, signaling a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Deputy Burney and Deputy Tedder responded immediately, activating their emergency lights and sirens. Upon arrival, deputies knocked and announced their presence but received no answer. Due to the unresponsiveness on the 911 line and the nature of the call, deputies began checking windows for signs of the caller.
Deputies were able to look through a rear window of the residence and see Ms. Hudson slumped over and unresponsive on her living room couch. Recognizing exigent circumstances, deputies made forced entry in order to allow EMS to reach the victim as quickly as possible.
Deputy Burney gained access into the residence through the front door using forced entry, and both deputies immediately entered the residence with EMS. Deputies assisted EMS personnel with CPR and lifesaving measures until additional fire, rescue, and medical units arrived on the scene. EMS eventually regained a pulse and transported Ms. Hudson to Cape Fear Valley – Hoke Hospital for emergency treatment.
This agency puts the preservation of life above everything else. This incident underscores the importance of our Deputy Medic Program and the value of having deputies cross-trained in medical response, enabling them to provide critical care in those crucial first minutes before EMS arrives.
Deputies Burney and Tedder demonstrated quick thinking, bravery, and dedication when seconds mattered most. Their willingness to forcibly enter a home to reach an unresponsive resident, embodies the highest standards of our profession. We are grateful for their actions and relieved that Ms. Hudson was able to receive the immediate care she needed.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to EMS and Fire personnel who arrived and assisted on scene. Together, your teamwork made a difference when every second counted.