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Trooper Shot During Traffic Stop Expected To Make Full Recovery

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A state trooper shot three times during a traffic stop Monday is expected to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, continue their investigation and search for the weapon used to shoot him.

State Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Everett Clendenin said Tuesday that doctors said Trooper J.C. Horniak, a nearly six-year veteran of the highway patrol, could expect to make a 100 percent recovery. He was listed in fair condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities say Horniak was shot in the shoulder, left leg and abdomen by Marvin Johnson, who is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, attempted murder and assault on a government official.

Johnson is one of the 10 most wanted suspects in Richmond, Va. He was convicted of murder and on parole, but he had been wanted on a parole violation at the time of Monday's shooting. He is also wanted on breaking-and-entering charges, felonious assault and two counts of domestic assault unrelated to Monday's shooting.

Another person, Nichelle Steele, was also charged in connection with Horniak's shooting. She faces a charge of accessory after the fact.

Horniak stopped Johnson's car on Interstate 95 near the Cedar Creek Road exit Monday morning. Investigators said Johnson pulled out a gun while he was supposed to be getting his driver's license out of his car's trunk. Horniak, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was able to call for assistance.

Authorities said drivers witnessed the shooting and one of them followed Johnson to a nearby hotel, where authorities later arrested Johnson and Steele.

Johnson is in jail under a $1 million bond. Steele is in jail under a $100,000 bond.

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