NEW HANOVER COUNTY — District Attorney Jason Smith announced today that the officers involved in a shooting earlier this year will not face criminal charges.
Two New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputies and three Wilmington Police Department officers discharged their firearms upon Rodney Wilson on Red Cross Street on Aug. 21, 2026.
According to the WPD, 35-year-old Wilson shot at officers during an incident on Aug. 21. Officers fired back and hit Wilson, who was taken to the hospital. The WPD officers involved are on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation of the incident. After reviewing the SBI’s findings, Smith determined that no law enforcement officer will be charged.
Community leaders and family members of Wilson have criticized law enforcement’s handling of Wilson, who they say was experiencing a mental health crisis on Aug. 21.
As reported by WECT, officials with the New Hanover County Black Leadership Caucus held a press conference on Sept. 16 at the corner of Seventh and Red Cross streets, where Wilson was shot, to call for the officers involved in the shooting to be held accountable. Speakers called for the WPD to release body camera footage of the incident, though the WPD said this could only happened if ordered in Superior Court.
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