18-Year-Old Charged After Two Fair Parking-Lot Workers Shot in Winston-Salem

Investigators identified the suspect as Sincere West. Police said the two injured men were working in a parking area near University Parkway and 27th Street around 11:20 p.m. when someone approached and fired at them. Authorities described the attack as targeted and said the suspect and victims knew each other. Both workers suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and were subsequently released from the hospital.

Officers located West on Thursday while he was working for a third-party vendor inside the fairgrounds, police said. He was arrested and faced charges that include two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Reports also list weapons-related counts, including an allegation involving an altered firearm. West was being held without bond after his arrest.

The case prompted questions about security procedures for vendors and employees. Police said West had a gun when he was arrested, and investigators had not established how the weapon entered the fairgrounds. The fair prohibits weapons, including firearms and knives. Officials said additional police officers were assigned to vendor and vehicle access points while screening continued at public entrances.

Authorities have emphasized that the shooting took place after the fair was closed and was not believed to be a random attack on visitors. Fair officials said they were coordinating with police to maintain safety at the grounds. A separate report from FOX8 said West appeared in court Friday and was expected to return October 29.

The criminal investigation remains open, including questions about the events that preceded the shooting and access to the grounds. The charges are allegations; West is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. TTN News will continue tracking the case and any official changes to event-security procedures.