WILMINGTON — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is looking into a shooting that took place at a downtown parking deck overnight. It left one person seriously injured and a suspect dead after officers opened fire when the suspect allegedly sped off, almost hitting them with his vehicle, according to the Wilmington Police Department.
In collaboration with New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, WPD officers responded to gunfire and located a person suffering a gunshot wound at the 115 Market Street parking deck around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. The male victim, transported by EMS to Novant Health NHRMC, sustained serious injuries.
Law enforcement approached one vehicle in the deck after speaking with witnesses about the shooting. The police requested several men step out before detaining them without incident. Witness accounts also pointed officers to a second vehicle matching the suspect’s description.
“When officers attempted to make contact with the driver, the man refused to comply and continued moving the vehicle forward,” the WPD release states, noting he accelerated vehicle instead. That’s when he struck another car and almost hit law enforcement.
“In response to the imminent threat, multiple officers discharged their weapons to protect nearby civilians and fellow officers,” the release indicates.
Though life-saving measures were performed, the suspect passed away.
As is protocol in an officer-involved shooting, the SBI is taking the lead on the case. Officers involved are on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete and the outcome determined.
Port City Daily asked WPD how many other people were in the parking deck waiting to exit when the incident occurred, how long they were there before being allowed to leave with their vehicle and if the incident is expected to be gang-related.
A response was not received by press, though WPD noted in its release no further details would be provided due to the case continuing to be investigated.
At the time of press, WECT reported part of the deck continued to be closed at 115 Market Street, with vehicles parked on level 3 and above remaining unaccessible. Vehicles parked on levels 1 through 3 were able to be retrieved.
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