FROM STAFF REPORTS
Three suspects face charges in connection with a shootout that occurred in western Iredell County last weekend.
On Sunday, July 19, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to the area of Eufola Road after receiving several calls about hearing gun shots and a residence being shot into, Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a news release.
When the deputies arrived, they received information that the people who were responsible for the shooting were in a black Ford F-150 truck, Campbell said. The truck left the area before deputies arrived.
Deputies went to the residence that was hit by gunfire and spoke with an individual who told them there were two children under the ages of 14 inside the home.
No injuries were reported.
While investigating the incident deputies learned, a second residence was hit by a gunfire during the incident.
Detectives and crime scene investigators arrived on scene and started to interview witnesses and collect evidence. Information was gathered indicating there had been two separate shootings, according to the news release.
The first shooting was the result of a civil dispute, Campbell said.
According to the news release, Christian Furman, 30, was riding a motorcycle on the roadway earlier in the evening, which caused an argument between Furman and John Wesley Harding, 37, who lives off Eufola Road.
Harding fired shots at Furman while on the motorcycle, Campbell said.
Furman left the area and returned a short time later with Brandi Bowman, 43, in a vehicle with the intent to retaliate against Harding, according to the news release.
When Furman and Bowman rode by Harding’s residence, he was waiting in his vehicle, Campbell said.
At that point, Harding fired a shot at Furman, who returned gunfire, according to the news release.
Harding then chased the vehicle Furman and Bowman were in and both parties exchanged gunfire, hitting the vehicle several times, Campbell said.
During the exchange of gunfire, Bowman’s 14-year-old child was in the vehicle, the sheriff added.
On Wednesday, July 22, Harding was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm by felon, felony shooting into an occupied vehicle, and three counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He received a $200,000 secured bond.
Furman was also arrested on Wednesday, July 22, and charged with two counts of felony shooting into an occupied dwelling, and felony conspiracy to shoot into an occupied dwelling. He received a $200,000 secured bond.
Bowman was arrested on Thursday, July 23, and charged with two counts of felony shooting into an occupied dwelling, and felony conspiracy to shoot into an occupied dwelling. Bowman received a $200,000 bond.
“Some people do not fear committing crimes when they do not respect the criminal justice system,” Campbell said. “We will make sure we do all in our power to enforce the law in Iredell County, and will continuously advocate for the strongest penalties for the worst criminals when they are found guilty. Our communities want to be safe and secure. We will do our best to make sure they are.”