Man killed in Thomasville shooting had ‘initiated the shooting,’ police say

THOMASVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — A man who was killed in a shootout in Thomasville was allegedly the person who “initiated the shooting,” according to a Thomasville Police Department news release. Police have now also arrested the man whose gun was reportedly used in the shooting.

At 5:58 p.m. on March 23, police responded to multiple reports of a shooting on Hunter Street in Thomasville. At the scene, officers found Bobby Brown, 35, of Greensboro, dead on the 40 block.

Three people suffering from gunshot wounds arrived at a medical center a short time later, two of whom were in critical condition. They were then taken to the hospital before being treated and released.

Evidence reportedly shows that Bobby Brown “initiated the shooting” at a group of men in the road. As the others at the scene returned gunfire, Bobby Brown was struck and killed.

Police say Bobby Brown was using a gun that was originally in the possession of Melvin Lee Brown, 40, of High Point, who was described as “a party to the disturbance that led to the shooting on March 23.” Investigators searched a home in High Point on Thursday and arrested Melvin Brown on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as a drug charge.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thomasville Crime Stoppers at (336) 476-8477.

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