Spears charged in Hiddenite shooting

Photo of the scene of a shooting on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 788 Huckleberry Ridge Rd., Hiddenite.

Rev. Dan J. Spears
(Updated Sept. 23, 4:20 p.m.)
Victim stable after shooting in Hiddenite
A former local pastor has been charged following a shooting on Huckleberry Ridge Road in the Hiddenite Community on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Sheriff Chris Bowman told The Times Friday that Alexander County 911 received a call about 4:11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, about a shooting at the residence of Dan Joe Spears, in the Hiddenite area at 788 Huckleberry Ridge Road.
Bowman said officers arrived and found Jason Williams, age 46, suffering from two gunshot wounds. One wound was in the shoulder and one in the chest.
Paramedics transported Williams to Iredell Memorial Hospital, Bowman stated. He was later taken to Carolinas Medical Center by helicopter.
The Sheriff said Williams had been staying at Rev. Spears’ residence and the incident was due to a domestic dispute.
Spears, age 73, is former pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church on Macedonia Church Road in Taylorsville. He retired last year, according to a church member.
Spears has been charged with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill. He was released on $100,000 secured bond on Thursday night.
A first appearance on this charge has been scheduled for Spears on Monday, Sept. 26, in Alexander County District Court.
Sheriff Bowman said, at last report, Williams remained in the hospital in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.