Yesterday evening, 20-year-old Caleb Garcia of Pageland, SC, was arrested and charged as part of an extensive, ongoing UCSO investigation. This arrest stemmed from a shooting incident that took place on Bobwhite Circle in Wingate on February 3rd, 2024. During the incident, an eighteen-year-old Wingate resident approached a car occupied by several individuals, including Garcia, and was shot multiple times. The victim was transported to a local medical facility where he received extensive medical care and is still recovering from his injuries at this time.

Since the day of the shooting, UCSO deputies, detectives, and Crime Laboratory personnel have been hard at work following up on all investigative leads and collecting evidence related to this shooting. As a result of their dedicated efforts, Garcia was identified as a suspect in this case and was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force (Charlotte Office) yesterday evening. Garcia has been extradited back to NC at this time, and he remains in custody at the Union County Detention Center. He has been charged with one count of Attempted First Degree Murder and has a secured bond of $500,000.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds, “The suspects who attempted to kill the victim in this case believed they could commit this violent act within Union County and would not be pursued or held accountable. The arrest of the first suspect, Caleb Garcia, sends a clear message to those involved that our dedicated personnel will not stop until everyone involved has been identified, arrested, and charged.”

The investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are likely. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call 911, the UCSO’s Main Office at (704)283-3789, or Union County Crime Stoppers at (704)283-5600. Tips can also be submitted through the UCSO’s free smartphone application, which can be found on your phone or tablet’s app store by searching “Union County Sheriff, NC.”