LINCOLNTON––A shooting incident occurred Wednesday at the Dollar General at 656 Center Drive.

According to a Friday statement from Lincolnton Police Department Chief Brian Greene, LPD officers responded that afternoon at about 4:25 p.m., in connection with shots fired at the scene. Upon arrival, they found multiple female victims involved in a physical disturbance. During this disturbance, a male suspect––summarily identified as Tavaz Kaleb Brooks, 28, of Shelby––went back to the vehicle he arrived in and retrieved a handgun. Brooks went back to the disturbance and fired multiple shots in the air before pistol-whipping a female victim. Victims and witnesses gave a description of Brooks, who fled the scene on foot before being located and apprehended a short distance away.

The victims sustained minor injuries and were treated by Lincoln County EMS.

Brooks was charged and arrested by the LPD for possession of firearm by a felon, assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm within the city limits. Brooks was transported to the Lincoln County Magistrate’s Office for warrant service for these charges and was also served a warrant for failure to appear for court for prior charges. He is currently held in the Lincoln County Jail without bond.

This case is still under investigation, and additional charges are pending.

Greene adds that the LPD would like to recognize the men and women of the Lincolnton Police Department that came together to assist with this investigation.