Marion Man Injured in Newton Shooting; One Suspect Charged

A Marion man remains hospitalized after a violent shooting Monday afternoon at a truck stop in Newton, according to investigators.

Newton Police say officers responded around 1:15 p.m. to reports of a possible kidnapping and shooting at the Love’s Travel Stop on Southfork Drive. When officers arrived, they found a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole with a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside. A two-month-old infant was also inside the vehicle but was not injured.

Authorities identified the victim as 27-year-old Ronald David Rumley Jr. of Marion. Police say Rumley had traveled to the area to meet someone when two armed suspects allegedly ambushed the vehicle. Investigators say one suspect entered the backseat and pointed a gun at Rumley while another attempted to pull a passenger from the vehicle. Rumley reportedly drove away during the confrontation before crashing nearby.

A Marion woman inside the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the hospital. The infant was later released unharmed.

Police have charged 27-year-old Jontavius Javez Littlejohn of Lincolnton with attempted first-degree murder, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present. Authorities say he was arrested in South Carolina.

Investigators have not yet released information about a possible second suspect.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One nearby resident told reporters she ran to help after hearing screams and held the infant while emergency crews responded.

The investigation remains ongoing.