The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating a shooting they are calling “gang-related” that occurred on Monday afternoon. Police are attempting to locate Meredith J. Cromartie of Fox St. in Elizabethtown.
Interim Police Chief Kip Hester said that about 4 p.m. on Monday, Cromartie fired several shots from a semi-automatic handgun.
“The shots were fired in the area of Gill and MLK Drive in Elizabethtown and were directed toward Jeffery Lewis, a gang member from a “set” other than Cromartie’s. A vehicle driven by Felicia McGill, and occupied by three additional individuals (including an infant) was struck by the gunfire; fortunately no-one in the vehicle was injured,” said Hester.
This case has been assigned to the Elizabethtown Police Department Investigations Division and is being investigated by Sgt. J. Guyton, said Hester. Warrants have been obtained on Cromartie for attempted first degree homicide (5 counts), possession of a firearm by felon, going armed to the terror of the public, shooting into occupied vehicle, and discharging a firearm in the city.
On Tuesday, the Elizabethtown Police Department executed a search warrant at Cromartie’s residence but did not locate him, said Hester.
“Officers did seize marijuana, scales, and drug paraphernalia from the residence. An unnamed suspect was at the residence at the time and was charged with PWISD marijuana, Manufacture Marijuana, Maintaining a Dwelling, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The suspect was placed in Bladen County Jail under a $2,200 secured bond,” said Hester.
He added, “Cromartie is well known by the community and law enforcement as being heavily involved in gang and narcotic activity, and has been arrested numerous times. The Elizabethtown Police Department will not tolerate such blatant disregard of the law and human life. When a criminal case involves a gang member our agency will use all available resources to make certain that the gang member is taken off the street to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Elizabethtown PD at 910-862-3125. Any information received can be kept confidential.
About Author
