SMITHFIELD, N.C. (AP) — Police in Smithfield say they have shot and killed a Maryland man who they say refused to drop his handgun after assaulting another man.

Lt. R.K. Powell says Darryl C. Wiggins, 47, of Baltimore was shot and killed Sunday night.

Officers were called to a report of gunshots around 9:30 p.m. and found two men arguing outside an apartment. Powell says Wiggins was holding a handgun and it appeared the other man had been assaulted.

Both men were taken to Johnston Medical Center where Wiggins died. The other man was treated for head injuries that occurred before police arrived. His name was not released.

The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the use of force. The officers involved have been placed on administrative duty.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)