CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NC — Early Thursday, at approximately 4:16 a.m., an unoccupied home on the 4000 block of Church Street became the site of an attempted burglary.
Ahmad Khalif Smith, 25, of Fayetteville, along with an unidentified juvenile, allegedly attempted to break and enter the property.
However, their plans were thwarted by a vigilant 77-year-old neighbor who intervened upon noticing the commotion. He confronted and shot Smith as the latter exited the residence.
By the time deputies arrived at the scene around 4:31 a.m., they found Smith in the front yard, suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and he was subsequently hospitalized.
The juvenile accomplice, in a bid to escape, was apprehended by deputies shortly after. Charges, including second-degree burglary, conspiracy, felony larceny, and possession of stolen goods, have been levied against both culprits. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.