Newton, North Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded in Newton, North Carolina, when police officers were forced to use lethal force against a man who had shot a woman and then proceeded to shoot at first responders while they were trying to offer assistance to the victim. The man, identified as 33-year-old Jamar Robinson, was fatally struck by gunfire and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital following the shooting. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Heather Clanton, fortunately survived and is reported to be in stable condition.
The chaotic sequence of events took place on Tuesday, May 28th, around 12:35 am, when a distress call was made indicating that a woman had been shot in the parking lot of the Catawba County Government Center. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found the injured woman in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Northwest Boulevard. As they tended to her, the alleged shooter, Robinson, returned to the scene and opened fire at the officers and EMS personnel.
In a harrowing exchange of gunfire, officers on the scene retaliated, causing Robinson to drop his firearm. Both the victim and the suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were promptly transported to Catawba Valley Medical Center before being airlifted to Atrium Health Medical Center in Charlotte for further treatment. Fortunately, no officers or EMS personnel were harmed during the incident.
Authorities have disclosed that the victim and the suspect were acquainted with each other, although specific details regarding their relationship have not been released in compliance with departmental policies. In light of the circumstances, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.
Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe expressed his condolences for those affected by the violent episode, emphasizing the urgency of addressing domestic violence. Urging individuals in abusive relationships to seek help, Chief Sipe provided contact information for emergency assistance and counseling services. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the implications of domestic violence and the brave actions of first responders remain at the forefront of public discourse.