Blotter: Shots fired call leads to marijuana citation

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 10, 2020

By Shavonne Potts

shavonne.potts@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A shots fired call in the area of Imperial Drive led Salisbury police officers to cite a local man for marijuana possession and weapons violations.

Police received the call Wednesday night from a witness who said they saw a burgundy Toyota leaving the area. An officer spotted a vehicle that matched the description. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Rigoberto Salazar Mata Jr., 21, of South Oakhurst Drive, according to police spokesman Lt. Lee Walker.

The officer asked Mata for his license and registration. When Mata opened his glove compartment a bag of marijuana fell onto the passenger seat.

Mata then handed over a smoking device to the officer from a center console of the car. A department report said Mata was in possession of 1.4 grams of marijuana.

He also had a High Point CF380 pistol under the driver’s seat. The officer was able to determine that spent shell casings found near the 200 block of Imperial Drive matched a 380 pistol.

Mata was issued a citation for carrying a concealed weapon, discharging a firearm in the city limits, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

In Rowan County Sheriff’s Office reports

• A woman reported on Tuesday she was the victim of identity fraud while in the 5500 block of Sam Broadway Loop, Kannapolis.

• A man reported on Tuesday someone stole his firearm from his property in the 5800 block of Wright Road, Kannapolis.

• A man reported on Tuesday a theft occurred in the 4600 block of Old Concord Road.

• AT&T reported fiber optic cable lines were cut and damaged in the 5100 block of Foster Road, Woodleaf.

• A man reported on Tuesday he was the victim of an assault while in the 4400 block of U.S. 601.

• David John Austin, 28, was charged on Tuesday with misdemeanor simple assault while at the Rowan County Courthouse.