MOUNT VERNON — Knox County authorities continued searching Saturday for a man involved in a Licking County shooting early this morning following a domestic violence incident.
According to a Facebook post from Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp, deputies identified the suspect as 36-year-old James Walter Johnson.
The posting states that detectives confirmed Johnson fled the scene after the shooting in a white 2012 GMC Terrain.
Local law enforcement located the vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart on Coshocton Road and initiated a search for Johnson in the woods behind the store. The Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation unit and patrol officers assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Mount Vernon Police Department in the search effort.
Johnson remains at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous. If is is located or seen, do not approach him. Citizens are asked to call 911.
Anyone who sees Johnson or has information is asked to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, or Licking County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the release, Licking County deputies responded to the 10000 block of Purity Road at about 8:18 a.m. on a shooting.
When the deputies, along with the Mary Ann and Newton Township fire departments, arrived at the home, they found two victims.
One victim was suffering from a gunshot wound.
During the initial investigation, deputies learned that a female victim had escaped from a nearby residence during a domestic violence dispute and sought help, which led to the shooting of the uninvolved party.
Both victims were transported to an area hospital to receive medical treatment for non life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports indicated Johnson had returned to a residence in the 11000 block of Harmon Road, resulting in the activation of Licking County Sheriffs Swat Team.
However, the suspect was not located at that residence, and it was determined he fled the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.
