Man found shot in NC mall lot after possible road rage nearby

GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina police are investigating after a man was found with a gunshot wound in a mall parking lot as shoppers were coming back with holiday returns.

Gastonia Police Department spokeswoman Donna Lahser said in a news release that a shooting was reported around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the parking lot of Eastridge Mall.

She said investigators believe the shooting may have resulted from road rage on a nearby street or highway. Investigators believe the wounded man then pulled into the mall parking lot looking for help.

He was taken to a hospital Wednesday with a gunshot wound to the leg. Lahser says his injury isn’t thought to be life-threatening.

The man’s condition wasn’t clear. Authorities didn’t immediately release further information.