A man who claimed to police he mistakenly fired a semi-automatic pistol inside a Premier Boulevard business Saturday night was taken into custody soon after the weapon was fired.

The weapon was in his coat pocket.

Initially, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Shane Guyant said no injuries were reported. It was later learned that a 16-year-old girl was struck in the leg and then treated and released at ECU North.

Anthony Daushaun Johnson, 18, of Weldon, was charged after he ran from what Guyant described as a large retailer on Premier Boulevard around 7 p.m. He was found hiding in the bathroom of a nearby restaurant eight minutes after the call came in, Guyant said, customers and employees providing what he said were outstanding descriptions of Johnson.

Guyant said Johnson had stolen property from the business before the shot was fired.

He faces charges of discharging a firearm in an occupied building, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting injury, carrying a concealed weapon, injury to personal property, misdemeanor larceny, and misdemeanor possession of stolen Goods. 

“The Roanoke Rapids Police Department thanks customers and employees of the retail business for providing an outstanding description of Johnson,” Guyant said.  “We also appreciate everyone remaining calm and not panicking. Johnson was apprehended quickly and there was never an active shooter threat. The police department responded with speed and intensity to get this matter handled safely and quickly.”

Johnson received a $25,000 bond and has a March 28 district court date.

Halifax County Detention Center records show, as of this morning, he was no longer in custody.