A Roanoke Rapids man who shot a Warren County deputy in 1990 and was released from prison earlier this month was shot by a business owner following a confrontation at the undisclosed business off Highway 158.

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.