SALISBURY, N.C. — Two people were arrested Sunday afternoon after they reportedly shot near protestors that were gathered at Church and Innes Streets in Salisbury.
Salisbury Police say two separate groups of protestors had gathered near the Fame statue in downtown Salisbury when the shots were fired.
Two people are in custody — 49-year-old Jeffrey Allan Long, a white male, and 34-year-old Brandon M. Walker, a black male. Three handguns were recovered.
Long was charged with discharging of a firearm in the city, carry with a concealed weapon, and carry a weapon at a parade. Walker has been charged with carry with a concealed weapon.
When Long was arrested, Walker was identified to police as a person also involved in the altercation, but who had not discharged a firearm.
When police approached Walker in the 100 block of S. Church Street to get a statement, he hid behind a car and placed a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun under the car. Walker and companions were detained, but only Walker was arrested and his companions were released.
Salisbury Police say no injuries were reported.
Long was released after posting a $2,000 bond, and Walker was released on a written promise to appear.
June 3, Salisbury Police secured an additional warrant to charge Long with Felonious Inciting a Riot.
It comes after Gemale Black, president of the Salisbury-Rowan NAACP, met with Salisbury Police Chief Jerry Stokes and Deputy Police Chief Shon Barnes on Wednesday and asked for a review of the case.
“I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Black for bringing this additional evidence to our attention,” Chief Stokes said in a statement. “The events of Sunday were still under investigation by our detectives as noted in our initial notice. It’s helpful when members of the public and community stakeholders are able to assist us with cases, particularly crimes that deal with threats to public safety.”
MORE ON WCNC CHARLOTTE:
