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Gastonia police arrest 18-year-old following shooting in Mcdonald's parking lot

Police are still trying to find out if the two knew each other.

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — An 18-year-old has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after Gastonia Police said he shot a 17-year-old in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant.

The Gastonia Police Department said 18-year-old Martin Linarez Rojas of Gastonia shot the other teen Sunday night. Police are still trying to find out if the two knew each other.  

The victim, police said, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

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Credit: Gastonia Police Department

WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because the 18-year-old has been charged with a serious crime. 

Police said the suspect quickly left the scene after the shooting but was later located and arrested. Police said Rojas was in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.

Rojas was arrested and transported to the Gaston County Jail where he was charged with attempted murder and possession of a stolen firearm. He is being held without bond.

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