Arrests have been made in connection to a drive-by shooting incident. 33-year-old Letia Jamel Lyerly of Park Lane in Newton was arrested by authorities in Catawba County in connection to the August 16 incident at Day Break Apartments. He’s charged with five felony counts of discharge a weapon into occupied property along with single felony counts of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Another suspect has also been arrested and charged in this case, 25-year-old Dillion Lamont Staton of Park Lane in Newton was arrested Friday (August 28) by Newton Police Officers. He’s charged with seven felony counts of accessory after the fact. According to court documents, Staton is charged with being an accessory after the fact to charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, common law attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of discharge a weapon into occupied property.

According to Newton Police, shortly after 6 a.m. on August 16, the Newton Police Department received a call in reference to shots fired in the area of Day Break Apartments on East First Street. When officers arrived on scene, they found multiple apartments and a vehicle that had been struck by gunfire. Investigators were contacted to process the scene and interview residents of the complex.

The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting targeted a male victim staying at the apartment complex. It is alleged that Staton assisted Lyerly by driving him away from the scene. The records also state that Staton is also charged for not notifying authorities about the crime. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Lyerly was incarcerated in the Catawba County Detention Facility without bond. A Monday (August 31) District Court date was scheduled. Staton was jailed in the Catawba County Detention Facility under $200,000 bond but was no longer listed as an inmate. His next court date is September 17.