Police investigating overnight shooting at Thelma’s restaurant

Published 9:59 am Sunday, January 26, 2020

By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Six people were shot early Sunday during an overnight party held at Thelma’s Down Home Cooking in the West End Plaza, Salisbury Police investigators said.

The shooting occurred shortly after midnight inside the restaurant, located at 1935 West Jake Alexander Blvd.

Police provided details early this morning via tweet saying six people were treated for gunshot wounds. One person who was in serious condition was flown to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Five other people were treated at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Three others were treated for other injuries.

In a statement released just before 3 a.m. by the city of Salisbury, spokeswoman Linda McElroy said some of the injuries included a gunshot wound to the chest, two people being trampled and one person being treated for anxiety.

The most seriously injured victim was listed in stable condition at the hospital Sunday morning.

Police have not been released the victims’ names and no suspect has been named. Police have not said what may have led up to the shooting.

The Salisbury Police Department is asking anyone who attended the party and may have cell phone video footage or photos to contact them. Social media posts circulating before the event say it was a birthday party. And videos on Instagram of the event show people packed into the restaurant, with several attendees standing on counters and dancing as music played.

The State Bureau of Investigation is also assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.