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Published on January 06, 2025
Charlotte Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Armed Struggle with Lancaster County Liquor Store EmployeesSource: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office

An armed robbery attempt at a liquor store in Lancaster County turned violent on Saturday when a Charlotte man clashed with employees. Datarius Marques Vaughn-McHam, 27, is facing several charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and firearms offenses, as reported by WBTV. The incident occurred at Stateline Elite, where the suspect allegedly tried to walk out with two cases of expensive tequila.

According to Queen City News, when Vaughn-McHam was stopped by store workers, he drew a 9mm pistol. A customer and employees intervened, leading to a struggle during which two shots were fired, but no one was injured. Deputies arrived after the employees, with the help of a bite, detained Vaughn-McHam until authorities arrived.

Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile commended the bravery of the employees and the customer but cautioned the public. "This was a very dangerous incident, and I am thankful no one was shot or seriously hurt," Faile said in a statement obtained by WSOC-TV. He advised against confrontations and recommended that witnesses focus on gathering descriptive information to assist law enforcement.

Vaughn-McHam, who sustained a bloody nose during the skirmish, was denied bond and is now in custody. The pistol he wielded had been reported lost to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on New Year's Eve. Several North Carolina law enforcement agencies had been seeking him before his arrest. A detainer was placed on him by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, indicating pending legal actions from additional jurisdictions.