In a violent and disturbing sequence of events on Sunday morning, a 34-year-old Charlotte man, Lonneil Mason, is in critical but stable condition after allegedly shooting at three Amazon delivery vans and subsequently crashing into multiple vehicles in Lenoir County. Authorities are now piecing together the events that led to the shooting spree, the crash, and Mason’s arrest, while the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident.
The dramatic sequence of events began early in the day when Mason was behind the wheel of a 2011 white BMW, heading north on N.C. 11. However, instead of traveling in the northbound lane as he should have, Mason was allegedly driving in the southbound lane. This dangerous maneuver led to a series of collisions that caused chaos and left multiple people in danger.
The first vehicle that Mason collided with lost a side mirror as a result of the crash. The second vehicle, an SUV, was hit head-on by Mason’s vehicle, critically injuring two female occupants inside. The severity of their injuries remains under investigation, but both women have been hospitalized. Fortunately, the third vehicle, a truck hauling mowers, was struck as well, but no injuries were reported in that instance.
The crash left Mason himself with serious injuries, and he was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for medical treatment. However, the chaos didn’t end with the crash. Before the collisions took place, Mason had already opened fire on three Amazon delivery vans in separate locations. Deputies confirmed that these shootings were carried out from Mason’s moving vehicle, intensifying the violence and creating a sense of panic throughout the area.
The first of the shootings occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Felix Harvey Parkway, where Mason allegedly targeted two Amazon vans that were driven by female drivers. One bullet pierced the passenger door of a van, while another shot was fired from an AR-15 pistol. This shot went through the back of the van, damaging multiple packages. This attack was particularly concerning, as it could have easily caused injury to the drivers or passengers of the vans.
The second shooting took place on N.C. 11, where Mason allegedly fired at a third Amazon delivery van. This van was driven by a male driver, and Mason’s shot struck the driver’s side of the vehicle. Incredibly, none of the Amazon delivery drivers were injured in these attacks, but the situation highlighted the extreme danger Mason’s actions posed not only to the drivers but to anyone in the vicinity.
Law enforcement agencies responded quickly to the violence that unfolded. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), State Highway Patrol (SHP), and the Grifton Police Department all mobilized to handle the situation, with emergency personnel from Lenoir County EMS, the Hugo Volunteer Fire Department, and Sand Hill Volunteer Fire Department assisting as well. The situation was critical, and the community was on edge as authorities worked to ensure no further harm would come to anyone in the area.
Once Mason crashed his vehicle, emergency responders quickly transported him by helicopter to ECU Health Medical Center for medical treatment. Following the crash, deputies recovered two firearms from Mason’s vehicle—a .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15 pistol. Additionally, authorities discovered cocaine and fentanyl inside his car and on his person. The discovery of these drugs added an additional layer of concern, suggesting that Mason may have been involved in more than just the violent acts he allegedly committed on that morning.
In the wake of the shootings and the crash, law enforcement has issued several criminal charges against Mason. These charges include three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of shooting into an occupied property, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance. These charges reflect the gravity of Mason’s actions and the potential consequences of his violent outburst.
Mason’s criminal history has raised significant concern among investigators. He previously served over a decade in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and breaking and entering in 2007. He was released in December 2020, and his involvement in this recent violent incident has raised questions about his behavior since his release. In addition to the charges from his past conviction, Mason was also charged in 2007 with discharging a weapon into occupied property and armed terror of the people. However, these charges were later dropped.
The authorities are continuing their investigation into Mason’s actions and are working to understand the motive behind the shootings and the violent crash. It remains unclear why Mason targeted the Amazon vans and why he then continued on his dangerous path, resulting in a head-on collision with two women in the SUV. Investigators are asking the public for any additional information that could assist them in understanding the circumstances of the event and potentially uncovering more details about Mason’s intentions that morning.
As law enforcement continues to gather information, the victims of the crash remain at the forefront of the investigation. The two women who were critically injured in the head-on collision are currently hospitalized, though their identities have not yet been released as family notifications are still underway. Their condition is being closely monitored, and it is hoped that they will make a recovery, but their journey toward healing will undoubtedly be a long one.
This developing story continues to unfold as authorities piece together more details. The community of Lenoir County is still reeling from the shocking events, and there are many questions still to be answered. How did Mason obtain the firearms and drugs found in his possession? What prompted him to target the Amazon vans? And most importantly, what led him to engage in such a violent and reckless course of action?
For now, the investigation remains active, and law enforcement continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses in hopes of uncovering more about the events of that Sunday morning. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and the State Highway Patrol are urging anyone with information to come forward, as every piece of the puzzle is crucial in understanding the full scope of Mason’s actions.
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on the victims and their recovery. The community of Lenoir County is also grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, hoping for answers and justice for those who were affected by Mason’s reckless and violent actions. As the investigation progresses, it is expected that more details will emerge, shedding light on the motive behind the shootings and the subsequent crash.
For now, the story remains a deeply unsettling one—a reminder of the potential for violence that can erupt in any community, leaving lives forever changed. Authorities are working hard to bring justice to those impacted by this tragic event, and the residents of Lenoir County are hoping that the answers they seek will soon be revealed.
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The post Man accused of shooting into 3 Amazon vans, crashing into multiple vehicles in Lenoir County, Lonneil Mason had been in prison from July 2009 until December 2020 first appeared on Voxtrend News.
