Monroe residents shaken after shooting at busy intersection

MONROE, N.C. — Monroe residents are shaken after a shooting at an intersection in the middle of the afternoon.

Police said 25-year-old James Massey was arrested after he shot from his car at the intersection of Highway 74 and Morgan Mill Road on Wednesday.

Massey told investigators he was being chased by a car full of men after a fight earlier in the day.

Detectives said the chase wove dangerously throughout the city before ending in gunfire.

"They both speeding through Monroe, possibly pointing guns at each other, running red lights, jumping curbs, things like that," said Sgt. Mike Smith.

The shooting happened near an AutoBell car wash. Employees said the gunshots "rang clear out of the blue."

"It's something you don't see happen every day," said manager Kyle McLean.

Police said Massey's bullets hit one person in the other car. Laquavis Lee was shot in the elbow and treated at CMC-Union.

The shooting happened at a busy intersection, with gas stations and restaurants on all four corners.

Drivers returning to the area Thursday afternoon were still shaken by the reckless nature of the violence.

"There's kids out this way, restaurants out here ... it didn't make no sense," said Jean Houston.

Police said it was fortunate there were no other injuries.

"When you get this kind of reckless behavior on a crowded city street, there is always a potential for innocent people to become the victims of senseless violence," Sgt. Smith said.

Massey is in the Union County Jail on a $50,000 bond, facing charges of aggravated assault with intent to kill.

WSOC