Domestic Dispute Leaves Couple in the Hospital

Arthur Mondale/Eyewitness News 9
Published: March 6, 2008
Updated: March 6, 2008

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Authorities in Martin County are trying to get to the bottom of the second shooting in seven days.

In this latest case, two people showed up at an EMS station claiming they were victims of a drive-by.

Tonight they've changed their story

Turns out it was a domestic dispute with the victims boyfriend shooting himself to cover up the crime.

The relationship between law enforcement and the citizens of Martin County is on the rocks.

"Martin County doesn't have any laws. You have to take the law in your own hand,” said resident Janice Howard.

Silvia Williams agrees that more should be done when it comes to citizens safety, "The police are doing there job. But they probably could use some more police officers. There's a lot of crime going around out here."

Today an alleged drive-by turned out to be a domestic dispute on an isolated stretch of Dixon Road in Parmele.

A dispute that ended two people in the hospital.

"People do not believe things go on in Martin County because it's so rural, but they've got to realize it's the same thing everywhere,” said Darrell Knox, Robersonville Chief of Police.

“But you're criminals are taking advantage of that."

Chief Knox said both victims pulled up to the Robersonville EMS at approximately 7:10am about five miles from the scene of the alleged incident.

But investigators said right away things didn't add up.

Now confirmed as false report, it's just another costly blow to the force.

"We're trying to do what we can with what we've got to work with and there's not a lot to work with,” said Knox.

A force battling the effects of poverty, drug activity and gangs.

But with only two police departments and a Sheriff’s Office to patrol an entire county, Chief Knox fears the problem will only get worse before it gets better.

The Martin County Sheriff's Department has issued a warrant for Javion Basright.

They tell us they also want to charge Basright with attempted murder.

Currently he is seeking medical care for the self-inflicted gun shot wound to his abdomen at Pitt County Memorial Hospital..

His girlfriend is at Martin Genera Hospital.