Caldwell County, NC – Law enforcement officials in Lenoir are actively investigating a possible road rage incident that escalated into gunfire and ended with a violent crash involving a pickup truck along Highway 321 near Pine Mountain Road in Hudson.
According to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began earlier in the morning when a confrontation occurred between individuals driving motorcycles and the occupants of a pickup truck. The conflict, believed to have escalated while the vehicles were traveling along the highway, quickly turned dangerous when shots were fired directly into the pickup truck. Authorities have confirmed that multiple rounds struck the vehicle, but details on injuries have not yet been released to the public.
Shortly after the gunfire, the pickup truck veered off course and crashed a short distance from the scene near Pine Mountain Road, a typically quiet stretch of Highway 321. The crash prompted a rapid response from local law enforcement, paramedics, and fire services.
“We’re in the early stages of the investigation,” said one official at the scene. “What we know so far is that there was some kind of altercation or road rage incident that turned into a shooting. The truck was hit by gunfire and crashed shortly thereafter.”
Investigators have confirmed that motorcyclists were involved, and there is speculation about whether the individuals may be affiliated with known motorcycle gangs operating in the region. However, law enforcement has not yet confirmed any gang connections, emphasizing that they are still working to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.
“There’s a lot we’re still trying to piece together,” said a representative from the Lenoir Police Department. “We are looking into whether there is any connection to organized motorcycle groups or if this was an isolated incident that escalated unpredictably. Our focus right now is identifying everyone involved and ensuring public safety.”
Witnesses traveling along Highway 321 at the time reported seeing a group of motorcycles riding aggressively near the truck before the gunfire erupted. Some described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing the pickup truck swerve before colliding with a roadside barrier.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or the moments leading up to it to come forward. They are especially interested in any dashcam footage from vehicles in the area at the time of the incident, which could help identify the motorcyclists involved or shed more light on what transpired.
“We’re asking for help from the community,” authorities stated. “Anyone who saw anything unusual, even just aggressive driving before the crash, may have critical information that can move this case forward.”
The names of the pickup truck’s occupants have not yet been released, and officials have not confirmed the extent of any injuries. It is also unknown at this time whether any arrests have been made.
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