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Contact: Lt. Everett Clendenin
Date: November 28, 2005
Phone: (919) 733-5027 x233


Highway Patrol Trooper Shot In Cumberland County Traffic Stop Released From Hospital

RALEIGH – UPDATED as of Tuesday, Dec. 6, 4:00 pm.

 

Trooper J.C. Horniak was released from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center this afternoon.  He will continue his recuperation at home and doctors say he should make a full recovery.  The Highway Patrol and the Horniak family are grateful for the prayers and concern shared by citizens.

 

Horniak, age 30, was shot during a traffic stop around 10:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28 on Interstate 95 in Cumberland County.  Trp. Horniak stopped a car on I-95 south near mile marker 52, the Highway 24 exit.  As the trooper was conducting the stop, the suspect shot him several times, wounding him in the upper torso and in the leg. 

 

After the shooting, Trp. Horniak made it back to his car and called for assistance.  Witnesses were able to provide local authorities with a description of the suspect and his car.  The Cumberland County Sheriff's Department arrested a suspect and an accomplice at a nearby motel.

 

Marvin Bell Johnson Jr., 40, of Richmond, Va., was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, attempted murder and assault on a government official.  Nichelle Rentia Steele, 21, of South Carolina, was also arrested and charged with accessory to attempted murder.  They are both being held in the Cumberland County Jail.

 

The State Bureau of Investigation advised the Highway Patrol on Wednesday, Nov. 30 that the integrity of the Second Chance Monarch Summit vest worn by Trooper Horniak Monday was not compromised by bullets fired from the suspect's firearm.

 

Trp. Horniak has been on the Patrol since January 2000, and has been stationed in Cumberland County throughout his career.

 

Following numerous offers of assistance from the public, an account has been established at the State Employee's Credit Union to assist the family.  Donations to the John C. and Christi Horniak Fund can be made at any SECU branch location.

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