Key Facts
- Incident date
- Sunday, early morning (around 12:15 a.m.)
- Location
- West Green Drive and Langford Avenue, High Point
- Arrests
- Jamorion I. Mebane, 19, and two juveniles (16 and 17)
- Charges against teens
- Two counts possession of weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen motor vehicle
- Recovered firearms
- One rifle and two pistols with conversion devices
- Secure custody
- Teens placed in Dillon Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Butner
Background
High Point police responded around 12:15 a.m. Sunday to reports of shots fired in the area of West Green Drive and Langford Avenue. Officers found a disabled vehicle reported stolen from Greensboro, with bullet holes and shell casings nearby, indicating an exchange of gunfire.
Patrol officers and a K-9 officer searched the area and arrested three suspects. Police recovered a rifle and two pistols. Investigators said both pistols had conversion devices, commonly known as 'switches,' that convert semiautomatic handguns into fully automatic firearms. One pistol had been reported stolen from Winston-Salem.
Police charged Jamorion I. Mebane, 19, of High Point, with two counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Mebane was taken to the Guilford County Jail in High Point, where he is held without bond.
Current Situation
Two teenagers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, both from High Point, were initially identified as suspects. Police said juvenile petitions would be filed against them, charging each with two counts of possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
A juvenile court counselor determined both teens qualified for secure custody orders, but due to a system issue, the orders could not be processed initially. The juveniles were released to their parents.
On Monday night, around 8:30 p.m., patrol officers responded to a disturbance at a home on Chatham Drive. Officers identified the same two juveniles there. They contacted a juvenile court counselor, obtained secure custody orders, and filed juvenile petitions. The teens were taken to the Dillon Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Butner.
| Name/Age | Charges | Custody |
|---|---|---|
| Jamorion I. Mebane, 19 | Two counts possession of weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen motor vehicle, two counts contributing to delinquency of a minor | Guilford County Jail, without bond |
| 16-year-old juvenile | Two counts possession of weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen motor vehicle | Dillon Regional Juvenile Detention Center |
| 17-year-old juvenile | Two counts possession of weapon of mass destruction, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen motor vehicle | Dillon Regional Juvenile Detention Center |
Impacts
During a search warrant execution at the Chatham Drive home, police seized several items, including a trafficking amount of heroin and firearm components. The seizure indicates potential drug and weapon-related offenses linked to the residence.
About an hour after the initial shooting, around 1:30 a.m., officers responded to a home on Amos Street after a teenager arrived with a gunshot wound. Police believe the teenager was likely injured during the earlier shooting. The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. No other injuries have been reported.
The incident highlights concerns about the use of conversion devices that make handguns fully automatic, which are illegal under state law. The recovery of stolen vehicles and firearms also points to broader property crimes in the area.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The two teenagers are now in secure custody, but their legal proceedings will continue. If convicted, they could face serious penalties, including detention and probation. The 19-year-old suspect remains in jail without bond, and his case may proceed to trial.
Police may continue investigating the source of the conversion devices and the trafficking amount of heroin. If further evidence emerges, additional charges could be filed against the suspects or others involved.
The incident may prompt local authorities to increase patrols or community outreach in the area. However, the long-term impact on gun violence in High Point remains unclear, and future incidents could occur if underlying issues are not addressed.
Source: wxii12.com
