Man Charged After Road Rage Shooting On U.S. 70

PRINCETON, N.C. — Authorities have made an arrest in connection with a road rage shooting that left one man critically injured last week along U.S. Highway 70 East near Princeton.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 7:21 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 when two drivers who did not know each other became involved in a road rage altercation and pulled over along the roadway.

During the confrontation, deputies say 27-year-old Lucas Jarrett Richmond of Benson produced a knife, while 36-year-old Mitchell Kelly Williams of Raleigh pulled out a handgun.

Investigators believe Richmond dropped the knife and was struck with the handgun before the two men began struggling over control of the firearm. During that struggle, the gun discharged, striking Richmond in the neck.

Richmond was transported to WakeMed, where he was last reported to be in critical condition.

Williams was detained near the scene and later questioned by authorities. After consulting with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, deputies charged Williams with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. He was released on a $2,000 secured bond.

The incident remains under investigation.