Orange native held in Center shooting

Sat, May 17 2008

— By Debby Schamber
The Orange Leader

A former Orange resident, Manuel Zane Johnson, 39, was arrested Sunday after he is believed to have shot a Center, Texas man in the head.
Center Police officers responded to the call of a shooting about 11 p.m. Saturday, according to information provided to The Leader Tuesday. The victim, Clifford De Earl Evans, 23, was transported to the local hospital, Shelby Regional Hospital, then later flown by helicopter to LSU in Shreveport, La. He remains in critical condition, according to the Center Police Department.
Through their investigation, police were able to quickly uncover a suspect. After he was taken into custody, Johnson was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and failure to identify himself.
Bonds were set totaling $250,000. If convicted of the charges against him, Johnson faces up to life in prison.
Although Johnson is in custody, Center Police detective Joey Haley and Sgt. Nicole Faulkner said they are still working on the case.
“Both patrol officers and detectives worked quickly to capture the suspect and get this case as far along as it is at this point,” said Walter Shofner, Center Police chief. “ This is an example of the dedication of the employees of the Center Police Department.”

Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com

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