Gastonia Police Department have arrested 18-year-old Martin Linarez Rojas of Gastonia for the shooting and attempted murder of a 17-year-old male that occurred Sunday night (May 21st)  in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurantin west Gastonia.  Officers are still working to determine if Rojas and the victim knew each other.

Just after 10 pm Sunday, officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the McDonald’s at 1927 W. Franklin Boulevard after receiving a report of a shooting that had occurred in the parking lot.

First responders located the victim in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Officers at the scene were given a description of the suspect and of the vehicle in which the suspect fled after the shooting.  Approximately two hours later, the suspect, now identified as Rojas was located and arrested.  Rojas was in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.

Rojas was transported to the Gaston County Jail where he was charged with attempted murder and possession of a stolen firearm. He is being held without bond.