WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Walkertown residents are seeing movement in a January robbery and shooting case that left a 21-year-old Winston-Salem man injured and raised fresh concerns about gun violence in Forsyth County.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that two Walkertown residents have been arrested in connection with the Jan. 16 incident in the 6900 block of Tall Oaks Road.

Deputies identified the victim as 21-year-old Ben Eshiet of Winston-Salem. He was transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigation and arrests

Investigators with the sheriff’s office’s Investigative Services Division, working alongside the agency’s Real Time Intelligence Center, identified suspects using what officials described as “the latest technology.” Authorities also partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service to make the arrests.

Isaiah Malik Patterson, 25, of Walkertown, was charged with:

• Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury
• Felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon

He is being held at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center without bond, according to officials.

Jadey Kayleen Trejo, 24, of Walkertown, was charged with felony conspiracy. She is also being held without bond at the county detention center.

Under North Carolina law, robbery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill are serious felony offenses that can carry lengthy prison sentences if a defendant is convicted. A charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon prohibits individuals with certain prior felony convictions from legally possessing guns.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Sheriff underscores use of technology

In a statement, Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr. emphasized the agency’s use of surveillance tools and data analysis in solving violent crimes.

“You may think you’re smart, but our technology is smarter,” Kimbrough said. “If you commit a crime in Forsyth County, our Real Time Intelligence Center will find you.”

The sheriff’s office has increasingly highlighted the role of its Real Time Intelligence Center — a centralized hub that uses camera systems, data analysis and information-sharing partnerships — as part of its broader public safety strategy. Supporters say the technology helps deputies respond more quickly and identify suspects efficiently. Civil liberties advocates nationally have urged transparency and oversight regarding how such systems collect and store data.

Community impact

While the shooting occurred in Walkertown, the victim’s ties to Winston-Salem underscore how violence can ripple across municipal lines in Forsyth County’s interconnected communities.

Gun violence remains a concern for many families across the county, particularly young adults. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly called on residents to report information promptly to help prevent retaliation or further harm.

How to share information

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about criminal activity to contact the agency directly at 336-727-2112. Residents can also submit anonymous tips, including photos and video, through Text-A-Tip at 336-920-8477, or by calling Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800 (English) or 336-728-3904 (Spanish).

To report concerns involving juvenile behavior or request intervention resources, residents may contact the sheriff’s office’s Juvenile Intervention and Investigation Team at 336-917-7030. Tips may be made anonymously.

What happens next

The case will proceed through Forsyth County District Court, where initial appearances and potential bond hearings will determine next steps. If indicted, the matter would move to Superior Court for trial.

The Chronicle will continue to follow developments as the case moves through the court system.