TROUTMAN, N.C. — A 19-year-old is on the run and a 17-year-old was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a teenager in Troutman last weekend that stemmed from a drug deal, police said.
Troutman police responded to the Food Lion on Main Street on Nov. 4 after two people showed up after they'd been shot. One of the victims, 18-year-old Alexander Hipple, died from his injuries. Police said Friday that the two victims agreed to meet two people for a marijuana deal. When the suspects showed up, detectives allege they pulled out guns and demanded the victims give them the weed.
The victims attempted to drive away but were shot. Hipple was shot three times. Police said the driver of the car, 20-year-old Zachary Craig, was shot once and is expected to recover.
Troutman investigators and North Carolina SBI agents were able to identify one of the suspects in the shooting. The suspect, a 17-year-old, was arrested on Nov. 7 without incident. He is being held in a juvenile detention center. Prosecutors say he will be tried as an adult once the case is moved to North Carolina Superior Court.
The other suspect was identified as 19-year-old James Richard Gann of Cornelius. A search warrant was served at Gann's home in an attempt to locate him and to gather additional evidence related to the shooting. Troutman police said Gann wasn't home and it's believed that he's no longer in North Carolina.
Anyone with information about James Gann's whereabouts is asked to call Troutman police at 704-528-7610. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the suspect's mugshot because he is wanted by police and could present a danger to the public.