Police in Archdale, North Carolina are on the lookout for a suspect who fired multiple shots at a local business, causing panic in the community. The incident took place on Tuesday morning when officers responded to reports of a man, later identified as Joshua Blaine Arquette, entering Carolina Container and firing shots before fleeing the scene in a white truck.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the shooting, but property damage was reported. Randolph County deputies later found the suspect’s vehicle abandoned in their jurisdiction.
As a precautionary measure, several schools in the area were placed on lockdown, including Wheatmore Middle School, New Market Elementary, Level Cross Elementary, Randleman Elementary, Trindale Elementary, Trinity Elementary, Archdale Elementary, Hopewell Elementary, John Lawrence Elementary, Trinity Middle, Wheatmore Middle, Randleman Middle, Wheatmore High, Trinity High, and Randleman High.
Randolph County Schools issued a statement saying that the lockdowns were implemented due to safety concerns in the community, and parents were notified via telephone messages.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, but they have warned the public that Arquette should be considered armed and dangerous. Active warrants have been issued for his arrest, and authorities advise against approaching or detaining him. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.