According to a press release from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 30, 2019, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office arrested Brandon Matthew Tripp of Kinston for charges stemming from an investigation that occurred in September 2019.

On Sep. 6, 2019 at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Office responded to the Handy Mart located at 2325 Hwy. 258 North in Kinston. When deputies arrived, a victim was found with a gunshot wound and was transported by EMS for his wounds. This person was identified as Brandon Tripp at the scene. Tripp would not cooperate with detectives during the investigation.

A second subject in the shooting was later identified when he received treatment at an area hospital. Detectives conducted the investigation and interviewed the second subject to discover that Brandon Tripp attempted to rob the victim and Tripp was struck by gunfire during the robbery.

Tripp is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. Tripp was confined in the Lenoir County Sheriff's Detention Center under a $1,000,000 secured bond.