Statesville, NC — A shocking incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Walmart on Crossroads Drive, resulting in an arrest and ongoing search efforts by local authorities. On June 29, 2025, around 1:35 p.m., gunshots rang out in the parking lot of the well-known retail location at 1116 Crossroads Drive, triggering a swift response from the Statesville Police Department (SPD).
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a vehicle in the parking lot that had been struck by gunfire. Several shell casings were scattered around the area, marking the aftermath of a tense and frightening situation. Miraculously, no injuries were reported despite the fact that the shooting had taken place in such a public space, with many customers and employees present. However, the shocking reality is that this was not an isolated incident but rather the aftermath of an earlier event inside the store—a shoplifting episode that escalated into violence.
The shooting occurred after a shoplifting incident inside the Walmart store, which, according to investigators, escalated quickly when the suspect(s) took their actions outside the store and into the parking lot. Authorities believe the shots fired were related to the altercation that began with the theft.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the gunfire, SPD officers immediately began their investigation, canvassing the scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and speaking with witnesses who had been present during the tense moments. Their efforts led to the identification of a suspect vehicle that had fled the area shortly after the shooting. The vehicle was located later at a nearby residence, and 18-year-old Keandre Terrell Cauthen was taken into custody without incident.
Cauthen, a local resident, has been charged with discharging a firearm into occupied property and misdemeanor larceny. He is currently being held on a $100,000 secured bond while authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the shooting. His arrest has brought some relief to the community, but local officials and investigators are still working to locate a second individual believed to have been involved in the incident.
The Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the ongoing investigation, and authorities are calling on the public for assistance. SPD officials have urged anyone with information about the shooting or the identity of the second suspect to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously or by contacting the department at 704-878-3406.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The shooting has left the community of Statesville in shock, especially considering that Walmart is a location frequented by many for daily necessities. Local residents expressed their concerns about the safety of public spaces and the alarming rise in violence in retail parking lots.
One local shopper, who had been at the store during the incident, described the situation as terrifying. “We didn’t know what was going on at first. I just heard shots and people screaming, and then everyone rushed back inside the store,” she said. “It was really unsettling, especially knowing that it happened here in our small community.”
Local law enforcement, while relieved that no one was injured in the shooting, has also reiterated the need for ongoing vigilance and caution. The SPD has committed to increasing patrols and presence in areas where such incidents have been known to occur. Police Chief Charles Goodman addressed the public following the incident, urging residents to report any suspicious activity and to continue practicing caution while in public spaces.
“This was a dangerous situation, and we are thankful that no one was harmed,” said Chief Goodman. “We are taking this matter very seriously, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. We also want to remind everyone to remain vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary, as it helps us keep our community safe.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to track down the second suspect, whose identity remains unclear. Police have indicated that they are pursuing all leads and are working with community partners to bring justice for the victims and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
A Community’s Call for Action
In the wake of the shooting, there have been calls for stronger safety measures in retail and public spaces. Community leaders have spoken out about the need for increased security at stores and shopping centers, including the installation of more surveillance cameras, better lighting, and the potential for increased police presence, especially during peak shopping hours.
“We need to make sure our public spaces are safe,” said local business owner Sarah Harrison. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to feel secure, and we need to do more to protect ourselves and our families when we go out to shop or run errands. It shouldn’t have to be this way.”
While the investigation continues and more details emerge, the community has shown an outpouring of support for the victims of the shooting. Many residents have reached out to offer their help to the Statesville Police Department in any way they can, particularly by providing tips or information that may be valuable to the case.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation progresses and the search for the second suspect intensifies, the community of Statesville continues to process the frightening events of the past weekend. The shooting outside Walmart, which left two teenage girls injured by gunfire and others attacked with bear spray, is a stark reminder of the violence that can erupt unexpectedly, even in the most ordinary of places.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, residents, and businesses to ensure that these types of incidents are prevented in the future. In addition to the immediate efforts of the police, there are conversations happening around long-term solutions to reduce crime and enhance safety measures in public spaces.
The authorities and the public are hopeful that, with the cooperation of the community, those responsible for the shooting will be brought to justice swiftly. As for the victims, their recovery is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, and the Statesville community is banding together to offer support in whatever ways they can.
“We want to make sure our community stays safe,” said community activist Rebecca Miller. “We will continue to do everything in our power to keep the peace and stand against violence in our neighborhoods. We can’t let this kind of thing become the norm.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. SPD officials are hopeful that with the continued cooperation of the public and the diligent efforts of law enforcement, the second suspect will be apprehended and brought to justice, ensuring the safety and peace of the Statesville community.
In the meantime, the community continues to come together to support the victims, their families, and each other during this difficult time, reaffirming their commitment to safety and solidarity in the face of violence. The resolve of Statesville residents to rebuild their sense of security remains strong as they work toward creating a safer environment for everyone.
