Asheboro Shooting: Suspect on the Loose, Victim Hospitalized
On Tuesday, just before 1 p.m., Asheboro Police were called to a shooting on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Harrison Street. The caller reported that a man had been shot in the leg and the suspect had fled the scene. First responders arrived to find the victim, 27-year-old Houston Hunter, with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police immediately administered first aid, applying a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Investigation Leads to Suspect Identification
Hunter was transported to a local hospital by EMS, and the investigation quickly identified the suspect, 18-year-old Kelvin Amad Cook. Warrants were obtained for Cook’s arrest on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, attempted armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a weapon into occupied property, going armed to the terror of the public, carrying a concealed weapon, injury to personal property, and three counts of discharging a firearm within the city limits.
Suspect at Large, Public Safety Warning
Cook has not been located and is considered armed and dangerous. Police are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 336-672-7463. Those with additional information regarding the shooting are also encouraged to contact Detective Witsaman at 336-626-1300, Ext. 2117.
Cook’s Prior Criminal Record
Cook was convicted in June of two counts of misdemeanor damage to property stemming from an incident on May 24, where he shot at two parked vehicles on Independence Drive near West Wainman Avenue. He is currently serving 18 months on probation, according to the N.C. Department of Adult Correction.
Asheboro Shooting: Investigation Ongoing
The Asheboro Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and urges the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the community and the importance of public safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
