Lexington teen arrested after mother shot in back with baby at park, police say
Mar 26, 2025
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) -- A 19-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after a mother was shot while she was at a park in Lexington with her baby over the weekend, according to a Lexington Police Department news release.
Kazmair Taft, 19, of Lexington, has been charged with:
possession of a firea
rm by a convicted felon
discharging a firearm in the city
possession of a firearm in a city park
Taft has been held in the Davidson County Jail on a $15,000 secured bond.
“It is rare to respond to a shots fired call at a city park,” said Captain Luke Davis with the Lexington Police Department.
The 19-year-old woman was hit in the back once. Police do not believe the shooting was targeted.
“It is my understanding she had a small child in a stroller nearby her, so we are very thankful nobody else was hurt,” Davis said.
Finch Park can get busy. There are playgrounds, trails, a basketball court and plenty of green space to enjoy. People who come to the park often were surprised to hear that someone was injured in a shooting.
Police want to remind everyone to always be aware of your surroundings.
“We want people to feel safe at … Lexington parks,” Davis said.
Lexington police tell FOX8 that they plan to ramp up their presence near the park in the short term until they can implement more permanent safety solutions. ...read more read less