A Lee County sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being shot while on duty Friday night, and a Cameron man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the assault.
Jeremy Shane Gentry Jr., 27, of McDuffie Road in Cameron, was charged with attempted first degree murder, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault inflicting serious injury.
According to a press release from interm Sheriff Brian Estes, deputies received a 911 call at 8:11 p.m. about a person who appeared to intoxicated walking along Post Office Road with a gun on his hip. When he arrived, the deputy encountered Gentry, who is alleged to have produced a concealed handgun and fired.
The bullet apparently struck the deputy’s body camera and lodged in a bullet proof vest he was wearing. The deputy was treated and released from Central Carolina Hospital. The sheriff’s office didn’t disclose the deputy’s name.
In addition to the charges related to the assault, Gentry is charged with possession of burglary tools, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. No details were provided about the drug charges.
The Lee County Jail website as of this writing shows Gentry in custody under $300,000 secured bond.