No Charges in Sunday Night Shooting

No charges are to be filed by the Clayton Police Department in reference to a shooting on Sunday, December 9th.

Assistant Police Chief Andy Strait reported that Edward Astling of Franklin was shot by Marty Thompson during an altercation on Duncan Street in Clayton Sunday Night, but that it appears Thompson was trying to defend himself.

“The investigators are reporting that at this time there will be no charges filed by this office against the person who fired the shot,” said Strait. “The evidence supports his claim of self defense at this time.”

Should any charges be filed, it would be by the District Attorney’s Office.

Strait said Astling was arguing with his girlfriend, identified as Nikki Wykle of Franklin, on Sunday Night when bystanders intervened. At that point, Astling drove his vehicle towards and struck a female identified as Leslie Anglin, before driving in the direction of Thompson, at which point the shot was fired through the windshield of the vehicle.

Strait said that before the shot was fired, Astling put his arm in front of his face.

“Mr. Astling saw Mr. Thompson with the firearm, and he stuck his right arm up to protect his upper body,” said Strait. “The bullet traveled through his arm and into his right neck area, where it became lodged.”

After being shot, Astling drove himself to Angel Medical Center in Franklin, North Carolina.

Strait said the bullet is still lodged in Astling’s neck at this time.