LEADS COMING IN REGARDING SHOOTING
Crimestoppers money appearing to be motivator

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- About a week after a shooting left a 22-year-old man fighting for his life at a hospital in Charlotte, police are on the trail of the man they say pulled the trigger more than four times.

In the days following the shooting, the Crimestoppers of Lincolnton/Lincoln County tip line has given authorities several tips; however, none of the leads have panned out. As late as Tuesday night, authorities were running down tips that came into (704) 736-8909.

Crimestoppers may pay a reward of up to $1,000 for anonymous tip information leading to an arrest in the shooting of Anthony Robinson or any crime.

Robinson, 22, was shot four times last Wednesday around 10 p.m. At the time of the shooting, Robinson wasn't able to provide much information due to where the four of the five bullets fired from the gun were lodged.

Lincolnton Police Sgt. Spencer Summers had talked to the emergency room doctor about Robinson's injuries, with the doctor indicating that Robinson suffered wounds to his face, neck, left rib cage and chest.

Robinson was airlifted from Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln to Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte with life threatening injuries.

Investigators believe Robinson received a cell phone call from 16-year-old Rahim Jermaine Oates of Westdale Lane, Lincolnton. Oates asked Robinson to step outside of his Magnolia Street residence.

Neighbors reported hearing four or five gunshots. When police arrived at the scene, Robinson was in his front yard being helped by a neighbor. Neighbors also reported a thin build black male was last seen running down Edwards Street.

Oates is described as a black male, 127 pounds, five-feet-six with straight black hair. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Rahim Oates is encouraged to call Lincolnton Police at (704) 736-8900 or Crimestoppers of Lincolnton/Lincoln County at (704) 736-8909.