LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — A man is wanted in a series of violent crimes that took place in North Carolina over the weekend, according to authorities.
Around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a location in Lexington where three adults were shot. The Lexington Police Department said the victims were taken to a hospital, but there is no word on their condition.
On Sunday morning, Davidson County sheriff's deputies were called to the Community Fellowship Moravian Church in Lexington due to a report of a break-in.
Sheriff Richie Simmons said that the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Zachary Lee Plowman, broke into the church and slept there overnight, waiting for the pastor and his wife to arrive.
The suspect allegedly held the pair at knifepoint and hijacked their car before letting them out about 5 miles south of the church.
Bloodhounds were dispatched, as well as helicopter in the search, according to Simmons. However, the search was called off after every resource was exhausted without gaining any further leads.
Investigators also sent reverse 911 calls to neighbors in the area to see if they saw anything.
The Lexington Police Department located the suspect vehicle in the triple shooting early Sunday morning and attempted to pull over the driver, who drove away to elude the officers.
Police later found the car abandoned north of Lexington a short time later. Evidence inside the car was processed and Plowman was identified as a person of interest in the triple shooting as well. The Lexington Police Department said it learned of the church break-in and carjacking while investigating overnight and assisted the sheriff’s office at the scene.
The department has obtained warrants for Plowman’s arrest for three counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony flee to elude.
In regards to the church break-in, the sheriff’s office is charging Plowman with the following:
- Breaking-and-entering a place of worship
- Larceny after breaking-and-entering
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
- Larceny of a motor vehicle
- Misdemeanor larceny
Anyone with knowledge of Plowman’s whereabouts is asked to call Lexington Crimestoppers at (336) 243-2400.
He is described as being 5-feet-8-inches tall with a shaved head and brown eyes. Do not approach him if you see or come into contact with him and call 911.