Crime
Heavy police presence at Target in Fayetteville after reports of shooting
The Target store, located on Skibo Rd has been placed under lockdown.
An incident at the Target store on Skibo Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina, caused widespread alarm this evening, initially sparking social media reports of an “active shooter.”
Authorities have since clarified that the situation stemmed from a large fight that escalated near the store’s entrance in the parking lot.
The altercation led to the activation of the store’s emergency alarm system, triggering chaos inside.
Witnesses reported hundreds of shoppers rushing toward the back of the store for safety, while others exited through emergency doors at the rear of the building.
The Target location was immediately placed on lockdown, with no entry or exit permitted except for law enforcement officials.
A heavy police presence was observed at the scene, as officers worked to secure the area and assess the situation.
Multiple individuals were reportedly detained in a nearby neighborhood behind the Michael’s store, located across the street from Target.
Authorities are investigating whether those detained were involved in the altercation.
The incident caused significant concern among holiday shoppers, many of whom were present at the store during the busy season.
While initial reports of gunfire heightened fears, authorities have not yet confirmed any injuries or additional information regarding suspects or motives.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the situation and has urged residents to avoid the area until further notice.
Updates will be provided as more details become available.
For information or to provide tips, please contact the Fayetteville Police Department.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.