ELIZABETHTOWN — Bladen County Sheriff James A. McVicker said his office is investigating a fatal shooting that took place shortly after 6 p.m. in the parking lot at Oakdale Homes in Clarkton.
“Based on our preliminary investigation we understand a group of people got into a physical altercation and during that altercation a weapon was discharged striking one subject,” said McVicker. “I can confirm that the shooting victim was Lonnie Level Smith, 38, of Clarkton. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Bladen County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.”
McVicker said the reason for the initial altercation is not known at this time. Investigators are currently interviewing a person of interest in the case and have identified several people involved in the incident and will be following up leads on these individuals and questioning them as well.
“We will release further information as it becomes available,” he said. “Right now we are in the early stages of the investigation but I can tell you we are following leads vigorously.”