On the morning of Sunday, March 23rd, Lenoir County became the scene of a violent and disturbing series of events. Lonneil Mason, a 34-year-old man from Charlotte, is in critical but stable condition after allegedly shooting at three Amazon delivery vans and crashing into multiple vehicles in a dangerous and chaotic spree. Authorities are piecing together the details of this harrowing incident as the community grapples with the aftermath of his reckless actions.
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The Sequence of Events
The terrifying episode began early in the morning when Mason was driving a 2011 white BMW north on N.C. 11. However, he was driving in the southbound lane, initiating a series of collisions that caused widespread danger and chaos. The first vehicle he struck lost its side mirror. The second crash involved an SUV, which was hit head-on, critically injuring two women inside. The third crash involved a truck hauling mowers, but fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident.
Mason’s dangerous driving and violent actions didn’t end with the crash. Prior to the collisions, Mason had already opened fire on three Amazon vans at different locations. Deputies confirmed that these shootings were carried out from Mason’s moving vehicle, adding to the panic in the area.
Shooting Incidents: A Violent Attack on Delivery Drivers
Mason first targeted two Amazon vans on Felix Harvey Parkway around 10:15 a.m., where he allegedly shot at the vans driven by female drivers. One bullet hit the passenger door, while another was fired from an AR-15 pistol, going through the back of a van and damaging packages. A second shooting took place on N.C. 11, where Mason fired at a third Amazon van, hitting the driver’s side. Miraculously, none of the drivers were injured, but the incidents highlighted the extreme danger of Mason’s violent actions.
Law Enforcement Response and Recovery
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the escalating situation. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), State Highway Patrol (SHP), and the Grifton Police Department, alongside emergency personnel, were on the scene to manage the chaos. Mason, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for medical treatment. After the crash, deputies recovered two firearms—a .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15 pistol—from Mason’s vehicle. Additionally, cocaine and fentanyl were discovered, suggesting a possible drug-related element to the violent spree.
Charges and Criminal History
Mason now faces several criminal charges, including three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of shooting into an occupied property, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to deliver Schedule I controlled substances. Mason’s criminal history raises concerns. He had served over a decade in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and breaking and entering in 2007. He was released in December 2020, and his recent violent outburst has raised questions about his behavior since his release.
The Community and Victims Left in the Wake of Violence
The two women injured in the head-on collision remain hospitalized, and their condition is being closely monitored. While their identities have not been released as authorities work to notify their families, their injuries are critical. The community of Lenoir County is still reeling from the shock of Mason’s violent actions, and the investigation is ongoing to understand the motives behind the shootings and crash. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and appeal to the public for any information that could help clarify the reasons behind this violent spree.
Conclusion: Seeking Answers and Justice
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is focused on uncovering the full scope of Mason’s actions and understanding the motive behind the violence. The community of Lenoir County is left hoping for justice and answers for the victims of this reckless and terrifying incident. Authorities are working diligently to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the victims, especially those critically injured, receive the support and justice they deserve.
The story of Lonneil Mason’s violent outburst serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a peaceful morning can turn into chaos, leaving lasting consequences for all those involved. As the investigation continues, the residents of Lenoir County await further details that will hopefully provide clarity in the wake of this unsettling event.
