Victim Shot During Altercation, Arrest Made

NEWTON GROVE – One person is in jail and another in the hospital as the result of a southern Johnston County shooting. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and Johnston County EMS responded Dec. 23rd around 9:50pm to 390 Thornton Road, Newton Grove.

First responders found Qwandrick Rashad Oates, age 31, of Dunn seriously injured, having suffered three gunshot wounds. Oates was rushed to WakeMed for medical treatment.

The suspect, Ricky Allen Thornton, age 57, of 390 Thornton Road, was taken into custody and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Sheriff’s investigators believe the suspect and victim were arguing prior to Thornton allegedly shooting Oates.

Thornton was held under a $100,000 secured bond. At last report, the victim remained hospitalized.