SAWMILLS, NC (April 28, 2018)…On 4/27/2018 at approximately 21:08 Caldwell County Sheriff’s deputies, Caldwell County Emergency Services, and Sawmills Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a report of a fight in progress with shots fired in the 5200 block of Cannon Drive off of Dry Ponds Rd in the Sawmills Community of Southern Caldwell County. Responding officers were advised of a single victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds who was still on scene.
The shooting victim was located and treated by EMS. He was then transferred to MedCenter Air for transport to an area trauma center. His current condition is unknown. Reports from witnesses in the area say that the suspect, a white male, wearing a dark colored hoodie and a gray sweatshirt ran on foot into a wooded area off Cannon Drive. A search was immediately initiated for the suspect and notification made to residents in the area, however, the suspect was not located.
Further investigation revealed that 3 people, including the shooting victim, were kidnapped from a business in the city limits of Hickory and transported to Caldwell County where the shooting occurred. Aside from the shooting victim, the other two were unharmed. The names of the victims are not being released at this time.
Warrants have been obtained in this case. Brendan Marshall Withers, age 25 is wanted by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for Attempted Murder. Withers is wanted by Hickory Police Department for 3 counts of First Degree Kidnapping, and Felony Discharging a Firearm to Incite Fear. Withers is showing several different addresses in different counties.
If you know where to find Withers call the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 828-758-2324 or Lenoir/Caldwell Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300 or Hickory Police Department, 828-328-5551 or you can call 911. Residents are encouraged NOT to approach Withers, and he should be considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is ongoing at this time. No other information is being released currently.