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Police arrest man accused of firing shot inside Claremont food plant

CLAREMONT, N.C. — Police have arrested a man accused of firing a shot inside a food plant Friday night in Catawba County.

More than a dozen deputies responded to the incident at AdvancePierre Foods on East Main Street, across from Claremont Elementary School.

Deputies said a former employee, Cheng Lee, fired a shot inside the plant’s breakroom but didn't hit anyone.

Authorities said they believe the incident was domestic-related because Lee’s wife works at the plant.

The plant was evacuated and both entrances were closed off, officials said.

Authorities said a woman was transported to a hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries after she was hurt while running out of the building.

A worker, who asked to remain anonymous, described the panic to get out of the building.

“It was pretty scary,” the worker said. “We didn’t know if he was going to come out the back door, come around back and start shooting.”

Police said they have reviewed surveillance video from the building.

Lee was taken into custody early Saturday and charged with felony discharge of a firearm and assault by pointing a gun.

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