Update: This article has been updated to include the full name of the suspect, which was not initially provide. The suspect’s name is Maurice Reginald McKoy.
WILMINGTON — An attempted shooting on the campus of St. Mary Catholic School in downtown Wilmington was prevented by a faulty firearm this morning.
Maurice Reginald McKoy, 30, approached an unnamed Wilmington man around 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday morning and attempted to shoot him, according to the Wilmington Police Department. Spokeswoman Jennifer Drandon emphasized the threat was directed at an individual and not “toward the school, staff or students.”
According to the Police Department, the McKoy confronted the man over a monetary dispute.
McKoy’s attempt was thwarted when his firearm malfunctioned. McKoy attempted to dispose of the gun, though Wilmington Police officers later recovered it after arriving on the scene just minutes after McKoy tried to open fire.
Officers quickly located McKoy, found bullets and cannabis on his person, and arrested him. According to the Wilmington Police Department, St. Mary officials were instrumental in apprehending McKoy.
According to Dandron, McKoy is being charged with “assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm on school property, resisting/delaying arrest and possession of schedule VI drug.”
McKoy is being held at the New Hanover County Jail on a $100,000 secured bond.
This is not McKoy’s first run-in with the law. He appears to be facing numerous charges in 5th District court. As far back as November of 2014 he was arrested for illegally concealing a weapon and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.
On the map: St. Mary Catholic School
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