Deputies investigate Cullowhee shooting; four are arrested
Four people have been arrested on charges stemming from the investigation of a Monday (June 14 ) shooting and break-in at Campus Apartments in Cullowhee, according to Capt. Steve Lillard of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, 21-year-old Ian McGrayne of Asheville, was enrolled at Western Carolina University during the spring semester but is not currently taking classes, according to WCU spokesman Randall Holcombe.
Austin Joseph Franks, 24, of Cullowhee was charged with one felony count each of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, first degree burglary, and conspiracy to commit first degree burglary; five counts of assault by pointing a gun, and one count of communicating threats. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail under $100,000 bond.
Anthony Travis Arrwood, 24, of Sylva, was charged with one count of felony conspiracy to commit first degree burglary. He was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
According to witnesses, Franks and Arrwood arrived at No. 3 Campus Apartments brandishing a handgun. A physical altercation ensued between Franks and McGrayne, and McGrayne was shot in the abdomen, Lillard said.
Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies and Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene. McGrayne was taken to Harris Regional Hospital and then to Mission Hospitals in Asheville, where he was treated and released, Lillard said.
A search warrant was served in conjunction with this investigation resulted in two additional arrests, Lillard said.
Jonathan Andrew Sheilds, 18, and Catherine Read, 18, both listing a Sedona Drive, Cullowhee, address, were each charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were released after posting a $1,500 bond each.
Additional charges in connection with the June 14 incident are expected in the near future, Lillard said.
