FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Rowan County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff: Travis Allen
Child Custody Exchange Leads to a Shooting
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (July 23, 2025) – On July 22, 2025, a patient was transported in a personally owned vehicle to Novant Hospital in Salisbury with apparent gunshot wounds. Information obtained, led deputies to determine that a shooting had taken place at 210 grants Creek Road.
Deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office arrived at 210 Grants Creek to secure the crime scene and preserve any evidence. Occupants at 210 Grants creek when the deputies arrived were identified as Melvin and Raynard Bookhart. Both were escorted outside of the crime scene and agreed to speak with investigators.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division were called to the scene and a search warrant was obtained for the property at 210 Grants Creek. While processing the scene, investigators discovered several firearms in the residence, along with ammunition. The shooting incident allegedly took place during a child custody exchange at which time an altercation took place between Melvin Bookhart and the victim. At some point during the altercation shots were fired which resulted in the victim being struck multiple times.
It was also discovered that both Melvin Bookhart and Raynard Bookhart were convicted felons. Melvin Bookhart, and Raynard Bookhart, were both charged with possession of a firearm by convicted felon and Melvin was also charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious bodily injury.
The victim was eventually transported from Novant Health Rowan Medical Center to Presbyterian Hospital for further treatment. At this time the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to reach out to Detective D. Fero or Detective Sgt. K. Holshouser. Or you can contact Rowan County Crime Stoppers.
Do you have information about a crime or wanted person? Contact Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 216-8700, or you can contact Rowan County Crime Stoppers at www.rowancrimestoppers.org or by calling 1-866-639-JAIL (5245). Caller identity is not required and your information will remain confidential. For more information about the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office visit us on Facebook or at www.rowancountync.gov.