‘Armed and Dangerous’ Suspect Arrested After Gas Station Shooting in Marion
MARION, NORTH CAROLINA – A man described by authorities as “armed and dangerous” was taken into custody Monday following a shooting outside a gas station that left one person seriously injured.
According to the Marion Police Department, the incident happened just before 10:30 a.m. at CJ’s Convenience Store, located at 1660 North Main Street. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and a dispute in the store’s parking lot near the gas pumps.
Argument Escalates to Gunfire
Investigators say 40-year-old Robert Owens and a 31-year-old man got into an argument connected to an ongoing dispute outside the store. Surveillance footage revealed that during the confrontation, Owens pulled out a small-caliber handgun and began firing at the victim, who was seated in his vehicle attempting to drive away.
Officers say the victim was struck once in the upper body before fleeing the scene.
After the shooting, Owens reportedly fled in a 2007 burgundy Chevrolet TrailBlazer, sparking a countywide manhunt that lasted several hours.
Victim Located and Taken to Hospital
While searching for the suspect, Marion officers located the victim’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville for treatment.
Authorities confirmed the victim’s passenger was not injured. Police described the victim’s condition as serious but stable.
Owens Captured by Highway Patrol
Following an extensive search, North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers in Burke County located Owens riding as a passenger in another vehicle. He was arrested without further incident and transported back to McDowell County for booking.
Investigators say Owens was already a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Robert Owens has been charged with the following offenses:
- Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill
- Discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
Owens is being held without bond at the McDowell County Detention Center, according to police.
Police Commend Quick Coordination
Authorities credited coordination between local police and state agencies for the swift arrest. “This was an armed and dangerous individual who posed a serious threat to our community,” Marion Police Chief said in a statement. “Thanks to the teamwork between our officers and Highway Patrol, we were able to apprehend him safely.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional charges could be filed as evidence is reviewed.
Residents with information about the incident or other related activity are encouraged to contact the Marion Police Department. Readers can share local safety concerns and community reactions in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
Author: Caleb Ward | Category: Crime
