KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — Law enforcement officials have taken a 39-year-old man into custody in connection with a shooting that took place outside a Food Lion grocery store in Kernersville, North Carolina, on Friday evening.
The suspect, identified as Lee Donnell Smith Jr., was arrested the following day following a coordinated operation between the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the Kernersville Police Department. Authorities believe Smith was responsible for a shooting that left two individuals injured in the store’s parking lot.
According to a report from the Kernersville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Food Lion at 980 South Main Street at approximately 7:12 p.m. on Friday, after receiving a call regarding gunfire in the area. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered two people suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were later identified as 32-year-old Malik Battle and 31-year-old Synadia Battle. Police confirmed that Malik sustained a gunshot wound to his foot, while Synadia was struck in her lower leg. Both individuals were transported for medical care and are reportedly recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators swiftly launched an inquiry into the incident, reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence from the scene. Their investigation led them to identify Smith as the suspect. Within 24 hours of the incident, police had gathered enough information to initiate a tactical arrest.
On Saturday, a SWAT unit from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with Kernersville police officers to apprehend Smith. The arrest took place without major incident, though officials did not release specific details about the circumstances of his capture, such as whether Smith attempted to flee or resist arrest.
Following his arrest, Smith was charged with multiple serious offenses. These include:
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury
- Discharging a firearm from within an enclosure with intent to harm or provoke fear
- Two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling
These charges reflect both the injuries sustained by the victims and the danger posed to others in the area during the shooting. Authorities emphasized that discharging a firearm near a public place like a grocery store not only endangers the intended targets but also puts countless bystanders at risk.
Police have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting, nor have they confirmed whether Smith had any prior relationship with the victims. It is unclear whether the incident was the result of a personal dispute or a random act of violence. Investigators said the matter remains under active investigation, and additional details may be released as the case progresses.
The incident has left many residents in the Kernersville community shaken. Food Lion, a regional supermarket chain, is a popular shopping destination for local families, and a violent event occurring in such a public space has sparked concern about community safety.
“I shop at that Food Lion all the time,” said one Kernersville resident, who asked not to be identified. “To hear that something like this happened right out front is scary. You don’t expect violence like that at the grocery store.”
Local authorities are urging the public to come forward with any additional information they may have about the shooting. Those who witnessed the incident or may have seen Smith before or after the event are encouraged to contact the Kernersville Police Department to aid in the ongoing investigation.
In the meantime, both Malik and Synadia Battle are expected to make full recoveries. Their families have expressed gratitude for the quick medical response and the efforts of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect so quickly.
The Kernersville Police Department commended its officers and partnering agencies for their swift response and teamwork in resolving the case. “This arrest represents an important step in bringing justice to the victims and ensuring the safety of our community,” said a spokesperson for the department.
As the investigation continues, Smith remains in custody and will likely face a court hearing in the coming days. The exact date for his initial appearance has not been announced, and it remains to be seen whether additional charges will be filed.
This shooting is part of a concerning trend of gun-related incidents in public areas, prompting local leaders and residents alike to call for increased safety measures and community awareness. For now, Kernersville police say their primary focus remains on the legal proceedings against Smith and supporting the victims in their recovery.
