New Jersey man charged with shooting bystander near Gaston County Courthouse, police say

GASTONIA, N.C. — A New Jersey man has been charged with shooting another man in Gaston County Thursday morning, officials said.

Police responded just before 10:30 a.m. to West Long Avenue and Falls Street near the Gaston County Courthouse.

Once at the scene, officers found a 53-year-old victim who had been shot, lying at the intersection. He gave police a description of the suspect, before being taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities said Friday that his condition became more dire and had to be moved to a hospital in Charlotte.

Shortly after, authorities found Camren Bruneau Jean, 35, hiding behind a home on West Granite Avenue and arrested him. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and malicious assault in secret.

Detectives believe Jean walked past the victim, turned around and shot him from behind. Police said the bullet went through his back and through his face.

A delivery driver saw the man, stopped and called 911.

“He said he just heard the bang and he’s laying right here on the road. He’s bleeding. He’s bleeding,” the caller can be heard saying.

Investigators said the 911 call played a huge role in the case.

“It was a huge help to one, our victim being able to survive his injuries and two, our officers being able to apprehend our suspect pretty quickly,” said Rick Goodale with the Gastonia Police Department.

The victim and Bruneau did not know each other, according to police.

Jean is from Atlantic City, New Jersey, and prosecutors are confused about what connection he has to Gastonia. They also said he shouldn’t have had a gun because he has felony convictions in New Jersey for drug charges and theft.

“Our victim is just walking down the street minding his own business. Our suspect passes and shoots him for what appears to be no reason,” Goodale said.

Jean has his first court appearance Friday and a judge gave him a bond set at $1 million.

Channel 9′s Ken Lemon was in court and said Jean was stunned by the decision. Then seconds later, he said, “Thank you judge. Have a nice day.”

No other details have been released as this is an ongoing investigation.

Return to this story for updates.

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