Jones
Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said Cul Priest Jones is in critical condition at an undisclosed medical facility after he was shot multiple times shortly before 11:45 p.m. Friday.
Deputies responded to a call of a reported burglar being shot and found Jones lying in the parking lot.
Investigation, Tripp said, revealed that Jones allegedly tried to pry open two safes and a cash register at the business.
The business owner, who resides at the establishment, was awakened by noises and reportedly saw Jones with a handgun behind the cash register.
Jones allegedly assaulted the victim, who then fired shots at the 40-year-old Jones.
The sheriff's office issued warrants for Jones's arrest on counts of first-degree burglary, felony larceny, two counts of safe cracking, possession of a firearm by a felon, first-degree and assault.
Tripp said investigation into the case continues, including investigation to determine whether the business owner acted within the scope of self-defense laws.
Jones, according to state Department of Correction records, was convicted in May of 1991 for shooting a Warren County deputy. Jones had been identified in a string of break-ins in Roanoke Rapids and was eluding apprehension in the cases when he shot the deputy.
He received a 50-year sentence and was released from Tillery Correctional Center on December 4.