The suspect in a Robeson County arcade shootout with a security guard has died and a manager remains in stable condition at a hospital.
Robeson County deputies responded to Lucky Clover Arcade, located at 5306 Hwy 72 W. in Lumberton, around 9:41 p.m. on Thursday for two people shot during an attempted armed robbery, according to a press release.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office says that based on an investigation of the shooting, Gerald Lamar Cooper, 30, of Lumberton, attempted to enter the arcade with a firearm. As he entered the arcade, Cooper allegedly displayed and discharged a weapon. A security guard then reportedly discharged his weapon and Cooper was shot during the exchange of gunfire.
Cooper allegedly fled from the arcade and deputies located him near a wooded area on Journey Rd. in Lumberton, the release also said. Cooper was taken to Southeastern Medical Center and died from his injuries.
A second person, identified in the release as 35-year-old James Locklear of Pembroke, was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is listed as stable. Locklear is reportedly employed as a manager at the arcade.
An investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Terry Sampson at 910-671-3100.
On Jan. 2, Robeson County deputies responded to an armed robbery and person shot at same location. During the incident, a security guard was reportedly shot in the hand and suspects allegedly stole money from a customer.
It’s unclear if the same security guard and suspect were involved in both incidents,
No information on whether the two incidents are connected is available.
Count on New13 on-air, online, and on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
