http://www.mydailyrecord.com/eedition/a-main/2017/03/20/searches-continue-for-cole-thomas/
Interesting, I don't think he's stated this before:
There were statements made concerning shots fired, Chief Edwards told The Daily Record. However, there have been no confirmation of that claim to date to my knowledge. Chris Thomas (Coles father) is the person who directly told me of the alleged shots fired.
Chief Edwards goes further by saying there is no indication of a drug deal in Benson the night Mr. Thomas vanished.
There is no evidence nor any suggestion on behalf of any law enforcement officer, that any drug transaction related to the case took place in Benson, North Carolina, the chief said.