Man mistakes couple for Russian mafia, fires shots into car

CRAMERTON, N.C. — A stranger shot into a couple’s car nearly killing them Friday night at Stuart Cramer High School in Gaston County.

Investigators said Michael Keeter owed money to the Russian mafia and thought the couple was out to get him.

"I was just at Stuart Cramer High School and got shot at," a caller told 911 dispatch Friday night.

The victim’s girlfriend was visiting, and he wanted to show her the county's new high-tech school.

As they started to leave, a truck blocked their path and a driver of a car tried to corner them.

“We were just driving around having a good time, and some guy stopped, literally got out of his car, pointed a gun at me," the caller said.

The victim put the car in reverse as the shots flew through the windshield.

One shot went by their heads and through the seat.

"I would say we were inches from a double homicide,” said T.N. Jones, captain at the Cramerton Police Department. “Someone was watching over them that they didn't get hit. It's a miracle."

The district attorney said Monday in court that the couple had no idea there was a drug deal happening at the parking lot of the school that is now vacant because of COVID-19.

The DA said Keeter, who faces two counts of attempted murder, thought the couple were bad guys looking to settle a score.

"Thought that was the Russian mafia,” said Locke Bell, district attorney.

Keeter had medical issues that kept him from appearing in court Monday.

The judge set his bond at $5 million, and Keeter will be in court Tuesday.

The couple hopes Keeter will stay behind bars for a very long time.

The FBI is also investigating the case.

Detectives investigate 2 separate homicides in northwest Charlotte, CMPD says Detectives investigate 2 separate homicides in northwest Charlotte, CMPD says

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