Update: Man dies after shooting into car in Garner. Dog walker heard 5 shots

The Garner Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting Monday night on Timber Drive near Vandora Springs Road.

Officers responded at 7:16 p.m. to a motor-vehicle collision and found Joseph Adams shot inside a red sedan. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said Tuesday morning.

Someone had fired shots into the car, and another car traveling behind it rear-ended it, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner. That driver called 911.

“A witness who was walking his dog told ABC11 that he heard five shots in a short amount of time,” the station reported.

Police have not released Adams’ age, where he was from other than in North Carolina, or a possible suspect and motive. The N&O has sent the department follow-up questions for more information.

Police are asking anyone who was traveling on Timber Drive between Tryon Road and White Oak Road between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday and has dash camera footage to contact investigators.

“Additionally, anyone with information about this incident is asked to come forward,” the Police Department said in a news release. “Even seemingly minor details may assist investigators and help provide answers and closure to the victim’s family.”

If you have possible information, police ask you to call the Garner Police Department at 919-772-8810 or the Garner Tip Line at 984-223-4875.

We will update this story as we get more information. Please check back for updates.

This story was originally published February 10, 2026 at 8:06 AM.