The Newton Police Department released an update on an officer-involved shooting that resulted in a fatality earlier this week. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning (May 28). The deceased is 33-year-old Jamar Franklin Robinson of Newton. The woman who was allegedly shot by Robinson initially, starting off the chain of events, was identified as 38-year-old Heather Renee Clanton of Taylorsville.
The incident occurred at about 12:35 a.m. Tuesday. Catawba County Communications took a call from Ms. Clanton, who said she had been shot in the parking lot at the Catawba County Government Center. Ms. Clanton left the area and was found in the Planet Fitness parking lot on Northwest Boulevard. While Officers and other first-responders were on the scene, Robinson arrived and began shooting at emergency personnel as they provided medical services to Ms. Clanton.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Robinson and Ms. Clanton each sustained several gunshot wounds and were ultimately airlifted to a Charlotte hospital. At last report, Ms. Clanton was in stable condition. Robinson was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Newton Police say the victim and suspect were acquainted.
Jamar Franklin Robinson
There were no injuries reported to any of the first responders on the scene and the officers and deputy are still on administrative leave pending the results of the SBI investigation and each departments internal investigation. The names of the officers and deputy involved in the shooting are not being released. Anyone with information should call the Newton Police Department at 828-465-7430.
Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY