Suspect arrested, another on the loose after Troutman homicide

TROUTMAN, N.C. — A 17-year-old boy is in custody and a 19-year-old man is wanted after an alleged drug sale turned into a killing, police in Troutman say.

Troutman officers and state police served search warrants at a Cornelius home Thursday night in connection with the shooting death of an 18-year-old man, police said. Investigators say Alexander Hipple, of Troutman, was shot on Mills Avenue Saturday night. Another man in the car, Zachary Craig, drove to a nearby Food Lion for help.

On Friday, police revealed that Hipple and Craig had allegedly agreed to meet “to sell the suspects marijuana.” When they arrived, the suspects pointed guns at the victims and demanded the drugs. When Hipple and Craig tried to leave, one of the suspects opened fire, hitting Hipple three times and Craig once.

Hipple died after being shot.

The Troutman police chief said Tuesday that police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the case. That suspect hasn’t been identified because of their age, but police said they will be tried as an adult.

According to the Troutman Police Department, the second suspect was identified as 19-year-old James Richard Gann of Cornelius. Police got warrants for Gann’s arrest, but he wasn’t found in Cornelius.

Troutman police say they believe Gann left the state. If you have information on his whereabouts, you’re urged to call 704-528-7610.

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