A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting outside a Food Lion grocery store in Kernersville, North Carolina, after two people were wounded in the incident.
The Incident
On the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, at around 7:12 p.m., Kernersville police responded to reports of gunshots at the Food Lion located at 980 South Main Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
The wounded individuals have been identified as 32-year-old Malik Battle, who was shot in the foot, and 31-year-old Synadia Battle, who sustained a wound to her lower leg. Both were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover, with injuries confirmed to be non-life-threatening.
Arrest and Charges
On Saturday, authorities arrested 39-year-old Lee Donnell Smith Jr., in a collaborative operation involving the Kernersville Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
Smith Jr. was formally charged with the following offenses:
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury
- Discharging a firearm from within an enclosure with intent to harm or create fear
- Two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.
He was subsequently detained at the Forsyth County Detention Center, where he remains held without bond.
Eyewitness Accounts
Multiple eyewitnesses, including local resident Richard Tims, described the incident as surreal and frightening. Tims and his teenage son were loading groceries into their vehicle when they heard a barrage of gunfire. Tims’ dashboard camera captured the alarming moments, while he helped guide his son to safety.
Tims recounted the chaos: his son had just gone to place the shopping cart back when the shots rang out. Terrified that his child might be caught in the crossfire, Tims warned him to seek cover and then called 911. Soon after, they spotted the two victims hobbling with gunshot injuries to the leg and foot. He promptly recorded the incident and relayed his dashcam footage to law enforcement.
The witness emphasized that despite the dramatic moment in their usually quiet town, no further escalation occurred. He expressed relief that the situation did not turn into a broader calamity and voiced concern for his son’s emotional wellbeing. Tims encouraged open conversations with his teenager about the incident to help process the trauma.
Community and Police Response
Following the shooting, the Food Lion store was temporarily closed and later reopened the following morning without incident. Investigators confirmed the event was isolated, and there remains no ongoing threat to public safety.
Kernersville officials have been working closely with SWAT units to ensure a swift and effective arrest. The local authorities released a statement affirming that the case is being treated with priority, and that all suspects involved have been apprehended. Authorities also assured residents that safety in the area has been maintained.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
At the time of the report, Smith Jr. continues to be held without bond at the county detention center. Should the charges be upheld, he could potentially face substantial prison time due to the severity of the counts against him, particularly those involving the discharge of a firearm in a public space and into occupied dwellings.
Broader Impact and Reactions
The shooting has left the Kernersville community rattled, as residents expressed concern over the sudden eruption of violence in a routine setting. Among the most troubling elements was how quickly the situation escalated—transforming a shopping trip into a nightmare scenario.
Families, especially those with children or teens, voiced unease about future shopping runs in the area. The presence of dashcam footage from an eyewitness further raised awareness about the unpredictability of public violence—and the need for collective vigilance.
At its core, the incident highlights the vulnerability of everyday environments to sudden escalation and underscores the importance of community awareness, coordinated police response, and immediate medical attention.
What’s Next
Smith Jr. now faces multiple serious charges and is awaiting legal proceedings. Authorities will continue their investigation into whether this shooting stemmed from a personal dispute, random act, or premeditated incident. Evidence—including surveillance footage and witness statements—will guide prosecutors.
Meanwhile, Tims and others who witnessed the event are processing the emotional aftermath. Tims emphasized the importance of not ignoring psychological impact, stating that children and teens should be given a safe space to articulate their feelings after such traumatic events.
The local community is watching closely for updates, hoping for clarity and closure. Residents have expressed relief that law enforcement acted swiftly and are pushing for increased security in public spaces, including better lighting or surveillance at retail locations.
Authorities maintain that this remains an isolated incident and that there is no continuing threat. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring justice and preventing future violence.
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