A Friday afternoon argument outside a Little Caesars in Kings Mountain turned into a chaotic scene across the street, when police say a teenager opened fire at a crowded Silver Express gas station on East King Street. The parking lot was busy, but no one was hurt, and the suspected shooter took off before officers arrived.
Shooting unfolded
Officers were called around 5 p.m. for reports of gunfire and found that a verbal confrontation near Little Caesars had spiraled into a shooting, according to WCCB Charlotte. Witnesses briefly stepped in to cool things down, but investigators say the suspect slipped through an alley to the Silver Express, then fired multiple rounds toward the victim while the lot was full of people.
Who police are looking for
Kings Mountain investigators have identified the suspect as Ahmad Rashad Leggett Jr., described by police as a teenager. Officers said Leggett is a 5-foot-8, 170-pound Black male who remains wanted in the case, according to WSOC.
Charges
Authorities say Leggett is facing several serious counts, including attempted first-degree murder, discharging a firearm into occupied property and going armed to the terror of the public, per WCCB Charlotte. Despite the gunfire and crowd, investigators reported no injuries at the scene.
How to help
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444, according to the Kings Mountain Police Department website. Tips can also be shared through local Crime Stoppers channels as detectives work to track down leads.
Local context
The shooting is the latest in a series of serious incidents that have kept pressure on local police and community leaders. Coverage from the Kings Mountain Herald has followed past investigations and ongoing efforts to bolster safety in the downtown area.
