Shelby teen charged with possession of weapon of mass destruction

SHELBY, N.C. — A teenager believed to be connected to several shootings in Shelby has been arrested for possession of a weapon of mass destruction, according to our partners at the Shelby Star.

Malik Jones, 16, was picked up by Shelby police officers over the weekend. The Star reported he was found on Friday in front of a trailer on Twin Pond Venture smoking marijuana. When officers searched a car parked there, they allegedly found an AR-15, a sawed-off shotgun and a. 45 caliber handgun.

(Jones)

Jones made his first appearance in Cleveland County District Court on Wednesday, where he is being charged as an adult.

[ALSO READ: Police investigating after 19-year-old shot, killed at Shelby home]

Investigators told the Star they believe Jones is connected to more than 13 shooting that have happened over the last few weeks.

"I know it is hard to believe when you look at this young man, but he is the most dangerous human being in Cleveland County," Cleveland County Assistant District Attorney Sally Kirby-Turner said in court.

The shootings in Shelby have injured and killed people, Bivens said.

Many residents who spoke to Channel 9 were too scared to go on camera, but said they hope this is the end of teenagers terrorizing their neighborhood.

Since the beginning of July, there have been 13 shootings reported in Shelby:

• July 5 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle at 832 Churchill Drive
• July 5 - Assault with a deadly weapon at 1300 S. Morgan Street
• July 10 - Assault with a deadly weapon at 109 Chestnut Street
• July 14 - Shooting into occupied property at 412 W. Graham Street
• July 21 - Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflicting serious injury at 1316 Concord Street
• July 22 - Shooting into an occupied property at 824 Hamrick Street
• July 23 - Assault with a deadly weapon at 211 N. Morgan Street
• July 25 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle at 304 Broad Street
• July 25 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle at 902 Kearney Street
• July 28 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle at 1331 Newton Street
• July 28 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling at 304 Broad Street
• July 29 - Shooting into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle at 342 Grice Street
• July 29 - Assault inflicting serious bodily injury on Grice Street

Jones has not been charged in any of the shootings, but Shelby Police Capt. Steve Seate said Jones was is a main suspect, according to the Star. Officials said they are working to determine Jones' level of involvement in each case, some of which involve shooting at houses and others where someone was injured.

Kirby-Turner indicated in court that since Jones has been in custody, no shootings have occurred.

"I don't think it is a coincidence," she said.

She asked the judge for a $1 million bond due to the weapons found and Jones's past. The judge gave him a $650,000 bond.

Right now, Jone is facing charges for stealing two cars and possessing a weapon of mass destruction, but Seate said he expects more charges are forthcoming.

Cox Media Group