
WILMINGTON — A 27-year-old who shot at officers last Wednesday died from injuries sustained upon law enforcement returning gunfire.
READ MORE: SBI to investigate WPD use of force in search warrant execution
Spokesperson Brandon Shope confirmed Malik Samuell Thompson passed away Sunday, May 26. Thompson fired at officers after the Cape Fear Regional Special Teams SWAT Unit tried to serve a narcotics-related warrant in the 900 block of South 11th Street.
Last week, WPD noted its officers attempted to communicate with Thompson through a loud speaker before deploying a distraction device into the window of the residence Thompson was located in. Thompson then began firing and struck one officer in a ballistics vest.
“The people he victimized by shooting at are doing fine today,” Shope told PCD.
SWAT team members critically wounded Thompson and medics began lifesaving efforts until EMS responded. They transported the suspect to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The two officers who shot Thompson are on paid administrative leave, per protocol, while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation looks into the use of force.
At the 11th Street crime scene, law enforcement located large quantities of drugs and a gun. Thompson’s previous criminal history includes assault and firearms-related charges.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.