Man charged with attempted murder following shooting in Bladenboro

BLADENBORO, NC (WWAY) — A man is facing attempted murder and firearm charges following a shooting in Bladenboro on Monday.

According to the Bladenboro Police Department, the shooting happened Oct. 19 in the 800 block of MLK Drive.

Police say Joseph Allen Banner Jr. was arrested the same day and charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Mario Gillespie. Banner was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Banner was transported to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where a magistrate ordered him held without bond.

The department says officers have remained in contact with Gillespie’s family and are wishing him a speedy recovery. Police did not provide an update on his condition.

In a statement, the department emphasized its commitment to protecting the community and thoroughly investigating acts of violence.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Bladenboro police continuing to work with the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Bladenboro Police Department.

Banner is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.