Columbus County man airlifted after reported assault and robbery outside rural church
By BC News Staff Writer
Emergency crews responded to Pleasant Plains Baptist Church at 507 Pleasant Plains Church Road early Wednesday after a man was found seriously injured outside the property and later reported he had been intentionally struck by a vehicle and robbed.
Nakina Fire & Rescue EMS 29 and Tabor City Paramedic QRV 21 were dispatched around 2:00 a.m. on June 24 to the church, located at the intersection of Pleasant Plains Church Road and New Britton Highway East.
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified at approximately 1:47 a.m. and arrived to find Joshua Allyn Priest, 38, injured on church property near the parking area.
Priest told investigators he was deliberately hit by the driver of a vehicle, who then stole his Ruger pistol before fleeing. Deputies secured the scene and requested air medical transport due to the severity of his injuries.
Brunswick Fire Department established a landing zone, and Airlink 2 responded. EMS 29 transported Priest from the church to the landing zone, where care was transferred to the Airlink 2 flight crew for transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the case is being investigated as felony assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and vehicle involved.
Nakina Fire & Rescue thanked all responding agencies for their coordination and extended appreciation to Columbus County 911 Communications for ensuring resources were dispatched quickly and effectively.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers at 910.642.6556.
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