The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the suspect charged Tuesday night with the shooting of a detention officer on her lunch break.
Jahleek Joyner, 19, of 93 Water House Circle, Clinton has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is being held without bond.
Around 1:00pm Tuesday, Sampson County deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Water House Circle. They located a female on the ground outside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately recognized the victim as Zarya Ashley, a Detention Officer with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. Ashley was airlifted to a medical facility where she remains in critical condition.
Through the investigation it was learned that Ashley went to the residence during her lunch hour and a dispute ensued between Ashley and Jahleek Joyner, identified as an acquaintance. During the dispute, Ashley was shot.
Joyner was located late-Tuesday at a residence in Duplin County. He was arrested without incident. Authorities said this was an isolated incident and Joyner was the only suspect.
In a press release on Wednesday, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office requested prayers for Ashley, her family, and the sheriff’s office staff. Ashley had recently obtained her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and was new to the department.
