Robeson principal gets workers' comp after shooting

The Fayetteville Observer reported Tuesday that a state Industrial Commission official ruled in favor of former Robeson County principal James Hunt.

Deputy commissioner Phillip Baddour III says it was more likely than not that the shooting was connected to Hunt's anti-gang efforts.

School system lawyers had argued that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay compensation because the shooting happened while Hunt was away from school property and on his way to Fairmont Middle School.

The former Marine was hit by a shotgun blast in April 2009 by someone in a pickup truck who pulled alongside his Jeep Cherokee.

Despite a shattered mouth and nose, Hunt drove 15 miles to a hospital in Lumberton. He was treated in the emergency room at Southeastern Regional Medical Center and then airlifted to Duke University Hospital.

In a July 2009 interview, Hunt said he was convinced his shooting was school-related and possibly gang-related. Two days prior to the shooting Hunt said he held a “Stop the Violence” rally at his school.

“I told all the students, I said, ‘If you’re in a gang and they’re telling you you can’t get out, you come to me,’” Hunt said.