Update 3 p.m. — According to New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon, a vice and narcotics deputy shot and wounded a suspected heroin dealer during the course of an investigation.
McMahon said the suspect “forced” the deputy to open fire, but declined to offer further details, saying he preferred to let an outside investigation take place first. The State Bureau of Investigation will review the deputy’s use of force, while the deputy is placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure, McMahon said.
The Wilmington Police Department will investigate the suspect’s alleged criminal actions. No charges have filed yet.
McMahon declined to say if the suspected dealer was armed or how many time the suspect was shot before he was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center with “non-fatal” injuries. McMahon also declined to give the full name or initials of the deputy involved; a release sent later identified the deputy as M.H. Bowie.
WILMINGTON — A deputy with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a shooting Thursday afternoon.
The incident took place near the Burger King at South Third and Dawson streets, near the onramp to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
One person has been taken to the hospital, according to witnesses at the scene. The deputy involved was apparently not injured.
New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Jerry Brewer, who was traveling en route to the scene, confirmed there had been a deputy-involved shooting but did not yet have further details. This article will be updated with more information when it becomes available.
