LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. – A Charlotte man is in critical but stable condition after a violent series of events on Sunday morning, during which he allegedly shot at three Amazon delivery vans before crashing into multiple vehicles in Lenoir County.
Incident Unfolds on N.C. 11
Authorities say 34-year-old Lonneil Mason was behind the wheel of a 2011 white BMW, traveling north in the southbound lane of N.C. 11 when he struck three vehicles.
- The first vehicle lost a side mirror.
- The second vehicle, an SUV, was struck head-on, critically injuring two female occupants.
- The third vehicle, a truck hauling mowers, was also hit but no injuries were reported.
Mason himself sustained serious injuries in the crash and was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
Prior Shootings at Amazon Vans
Before the collisions, deputies say Mason opened fire on three Amazon delivery vans in separate locations. The shootings, which began at approximately 10:15 a.m., were carried out from his moving vehicle:
- Felix Harvey Parkway: Mason allegedly shot at two vans driven by female drivers. One bullet pierced a passenger door, while another shot, fired from an AR-15 pistol, went through the back of the van, damaging multiple packages.
- N.C. 11: Mason fired at a third van, striking the driver’s side. This van was driven by a male Amazon worker.
Miraculously, none of the Amazon drivers were injured.
Emergency Response and Arrest
Law enforcement agencies quickly responded, including Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the State Highway Patrol (SHP), and the Grifton Police Department. Emergency personnel from Lenoir County EMS, the Hugo Volunteer Fire Department, and Sand Hill Volunteer Fire Department also provided assistance.
Following the crash, Mason was transported via EastCare helicopter for medical treatment. Deputies recovered two firearms – a .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15 pistol – from his vehicle. Additionally, authorities seized cocaine and fentanyl found inside his car and on his person.
Criminal Charges and Past Convictions
Warrants have been issued against Mason, including charges of:
- Three counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Three counts of shooting into an occupied property
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance
Additional charges may follow as both the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and State Highway Patrol continue their investigation.
Mason has a violent criminal history. He previously served over a decade in prison for a 2007 conviction of second-degree murder and breaking and entering. He was released in December 2020. Mason was also charged in April 2007 with discharging a weapon into occupied property and armed terror of the people, though those charges were later dropped.
Ongoing Investigation
As authorities piece together the motive behind Mason’s actions, law enforcement is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
The two women critically injured in the head-on collision remain hospitalized, and their identities have not yet been released as family notifications continue.
This developing story will be updated as more details emerge.