Crime
30-year-old Quinton Gray killed after shooting on Sweet Amy Lane in La Grange
Preliminary evidence suggests that this was a targeted act of violence.
La Grange, North Carolina – In the early hours of Sunday, December 8, 2024, deputies from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to a tragic incident involving a fatal shooting at a residence on Sweet Amy Lane.
At approximately 12:15 a.m., deputies arrived at 943 Sweet Amy Lane following reports of a gunshot victim.
Upon entering the residence, authorities discovered 30-year-old Quinton Lee Gray lying unresponsive. Gray had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders.
Sheriff Jackie Rogers confirmed that investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Preliminary evidence suggests that this was a targeted act of violence, and authorities have emphasized that there is no immediate danger to the general public.
“Our investigators are diligently pursuing leads and working to identify those responsible for this senseless act,” said Sheriff Rogers. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gray during this heartbreaking time.”
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be reported by contacting the LCSO Criminal Investigations Division at 252-559-6118. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Lenoir County Crime Stoppers hotline at 252-523-4444.
Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to maintaining safety in the community and will provide updates as more details emerge.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.