Arrest made after shots ring out at busy Pineville shopping center

PINEVILLE, N.C. — Families just trying to buy groceries and shops were forced to take cover when a man opened fire in a parking lot of a Pineville shopping center.

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"It's very concerning, absolutely. Especially because this Food Lion is very busy,” said shopper Shelly Michalek.

Pineville police said Dashawn Crawford started shooting a gun in a crowded parking lot at about 7 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Food Lion, Aaron’s and several other stores on South Polk Street.

Frantic customers called 911.

"I sped off because the bullets were flying past my car,” said one caller.

Pineville police said Crawford may have been waiting outside the Aaron’s rental store where his girlfriend works.

He, eventually, got into an argument with her and then took out the gun, firing it about seven times in the parking lot as she drove away, police said.

(Crawford)

On Friday, Pineville police took out several warrants for Crawford's arrest including first-degree attempted murder. They later arrested Crawford and charged him with assault by pointing a gun, attempted first-degree murder, discharging a weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.

"I'm sure the employees are really scared. I know from now on I'm going to be really cautious because they haven't found him,” said Michalek.

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Cox Media Group