FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two individuals face multiple charges after making a false report about shooting following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the residence at 3114 Hickory Highway on Sunday, June 5, in reference to a person being shot, according to an ICSO news release.

Walter Vernon Johnson, 59, and Aimee Jeanette Blackwelder, 42, told Deputy G. Deal they heard noises downstairs and went to investigate when Johnson was shot in the leg, Sheriff Darren Campbell said in the news release.

Johnson was transported to a local trauma center for additional treatment.

Meanwhile, additional deputies, detectives and crime scene investigators responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

As the investigation continued, detectives began to question the veracity of the account of the shooting provided by Johnson and Blackwelder, Campbell said.

When questioned by detectives, Blackwelder stated that Johnson had accidentally shot himself and that she had moved the gun, according to the news release. She also told detectives that there were narcotics in the residence, the sheriff said.

Detective Sergeant Scott Hall and Detective Charles Davidson applied for and executed a search warrant on the home. They located and seized the gun, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, according to the news release.

Blackwelder was arrested at the scene and charged with felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon misdemeanor conspiracy and three misdemeanor drug offenses. She was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where a magistrate issued an $8,000 secure bond on these charges.

Upon being released from medical treatment on Tuesday, June 21, Johnson was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, felony maintain a vehicle or dwelling for the sale or use of a controlled substance, misdemeanor giving a false report, misdemeanor conspiracy and a misdemeanor drug offense. Johnson appeared before a magistrate, who issued a $35,000 secure bond on these charges.