Shooting In Todd Leaves Man In Critical Condition


One man is in critical condition tonight after another shooting yesterday in Todd. Yesterday evening at 10:34 pm, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office received a request for Medics at 5500 Castle Ford Road, Todd in reference to a gunshot wound to the chest/abdomen of a male victim. Todd First Responders, along with Watauga Medics, and deputies from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched to the scene. First to arrive was a WCSO Deputy, who is also a paramedic, who administered medical treatment to a white male, later identified as Damien Barker. Mr. Barker was found lying on the front porch of the 5500 Castle Ford residence with a wound to the chest/abdominal area. The victim was transported via helicopter by AirCare to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem where the condition of Mr. Barker has not been released. Watauga County Sheriff’s Office investigators, who have been in contact with the Watauga County District Attorney’s Office throughout the night, have identified the individual, who is a minor, and is known by the victim, as the individual who allegedly shot the victim. The incident is still under investigation by the WCSO and DA’s Office.