ELIZABETHTOWN — A Bladen County man was given a true bill of indictment for attempted first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that involved two county lawmen on Feb. 13.
According to information from the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office, Dennis Marshall of Elizabethtown was indicted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder on Wednesday and assault with a firearm. His bail was set at $1.5 million.
The incident took place during a traffic stop by Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy D.A Schmale. When the deputy discovered Marshall, who was the driver of the vehicle, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest that stemmed from a drug charge in 2010, Schmale asked Marshall to get out of the vehicle and placed him under arrest.
Marshall, however, then broke free and grabbed a handgun from his vehicle and began shooting.
Elizabethtown Police Officer J. Blake Bryan arrived on the scene at about that time and joined Schmale in returning fire. Marshall was struck a number of times, but neither Schmale or Bryan were injured. Marshall was treated for his wounds in Wilmington before being transported to Central Prison in Raleigh.
“After considering all of the evidence, it is my opinion that the officers’ actions were justified and the need for deadly force was authorized,” District Attorney Jon David said in a press release.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.