Store owner shoots would-be burglar

LUMBERTON - It was late Sunday when Kenneth Sampson discovered someone knocked out a window while trying to break into his business, The Auction Store, on West Fifth Street.

Sampson couldn't find anyone to repair it, so he spent the night in the store, said Lumberton police Lt. Johnny Barnes.

That's why Sampson, 41, was in the store when a man broke in about 3:20 a.m. Monday, Barnes said.

Sampson and the burglar, who was carrying a lug wrench, scuffled, and Sampson shot the man, identified as Jerry Deal, 42, of the 1900 block of Case Street, Barnes said.

"The owner tried to detain him (Deal). Deal started swinging at him with the lug wrench. They scuffled and Sampson shot him," Barnes said Tuesday.

Deal, who was shot in the leg, is recovering at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Barnes said.

No charges have been filed, Barnes said. Deal will be charged upon his release from the hospital, the officer said.