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Deputies search for man they believe shot wife

Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man they believe shot and wounded his wife on Friday afternoon.

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Julian Blankinship
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man they believe shot and wounded his wife on Friday afternoon.

Investigators believe that Julian Blankinship III, 44, shot his wife in the 1500 block of Galilee Road around 5 p.m., said Tammy Amaon, a spokeswoman for the Johnston County Sheriff's Office.

The woman was shot in the leg and in the mouth. She was taken to Johnston Memorial Hospital, and was listed in serious condition Friday night.

Police have issued a warrant for Blankinship’s arrest. He was described as a white male. He left the scene driving a small, white Ford Ranger truck. His direction of travel was unknown.

Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said Blankinship is a marital arts expert who occasional trained law enforcement in the past. He stressed that Blankinship should be considered armed and dangerous.

Once arrested Blankinship will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, Bizzell said.

 

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