A violent shootout at the Outlaw Motorcycle Club House in Newton early Sunday morning left one man dead and another critically injured, marking one of the city’s most brazen public shootings in recent memory. Police arrived at the North Main Avenue location around 2:10 a.m. to find a chaotic scene with multiple gunshot victims and dozens of armed individuals, according to Newton Police Chief Don Brown.
The deceased victim has been identified as 32-year-old Jordan Cassel of Albemarle, a known affiliate of the motorcycle club. A second victim, whose identity remains undisclosed pending family notification, was airlifted to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte with life-threatening injuries. Crime scene investigators documented more than 30 shell casings from multiple firearms scattered across the clubhouse parking lot.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing what sounded like “a war zone” as gunfire erupted during what appeared to be a private gathering at the clubhouse. “It was pop-pop-pop for what felt like forever,” said neighbor Marcus Greene, who called 911. “Then people started running everywhere – some with guns, some bleeding.” Police confirmed they detained several armed individuals for questioning but have made no arrests as of Sunday evening.
The shooting has raised urgent questions about public safety in the normally quiet Catawba County town. Mayor Eddie Haupt expressed outrage, calling the violence “completely unacceptable in our community.” The clubhouse, located just blocks from downtown Newton businesses, had no prior record of violent incidents, though police acknowledge monitoring occasional “disputes” between motorcycle clubs in the region.
Investigators are working to determine whether the shooting resulted from an internal club dispute or involved rival groups. “We’re following multiple leads but this will be a complex investigation,” said Captain Sarah Wilkins, noting the reluctance of witnesses to cooperate. Forensic teams spent Sunday processing the crime scene while detectives reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
The tragedy has left Cassel’s family devastated and the community on edge. A makeshift memorial of flowers and motorcycle memorabilia grew outside the clubhouse Sunday as authorities promised increased patrols in the area. Anyone with information is urged to contact Newton Police anonymously as the search for suspects continues.
