Worker shot while operating tower crane at Lake Norman Quarry near Charlotte

A bullet came out of nowhere and struck a worker operating a crane at Lake Norman Quarry late Wednesday, according to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim was identified as Jerry Lee Burnette, 47, of Marshall and he suffered a wound to the leg that was not life threatening, officials said.

Lincoln County Communications Center reported a call came in at 7:50 p.m. of quarry staff hearing shots that appeared to be fired from multiple weapons, said a release. During the firing, a piece of shrapnel “glanced off a piece of equipment hitting the victim,” officials said.

The granite quarry is about 20 miles northwest of Charlotte, on NC 16.

Burnette “was operating a crane at the quarry when he was struck,” but was able to climb down and deputies helped him to the main gate. An ambulance then took him to Atrium Health for treatment in Charlotte, officials said.

One witness told deputies the shooting sounded like people were involved in target practice near the quarry, according to the release.

“A check of the area turned up a location in the 6800 block of Glover Lane where several individuals had been shooting at targets with semi-automatic weapons,” said a release from sheriff’s office. “Several people have been interviewed and weapons were seized.”

Investigators will consult the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office “to determine if charges will be filed in the case,” officials said.

TV station WCNC reports eight to 10 people were working at the quarry at the time of the shooting.

This story was originally published March 21, 2019 at 6:09 AM.