Wilmington Police identify officer, suspect involved in downtown shooting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department has released the identity of the officer and suspect involved in a shooting in downtown Wilmington.

Raymond McGriff, Jr., 30, of Brunswick County, remains in New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Police say he suffered two gunshot wounds during an encounter with police officer Adam Phillips. McGriff’s injuries are non-life threatening, police say.

McGriff faces several charges, including:

• Resisting Public Officer
• Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm
• Going Armed to the Terror of the Public

The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. in the 100 block of North Front Street. Police say someone approached Phillips and told him a man was walking around the area with a gun.

A short time later witnesses say they heard gunshots and saw the suspect running towards the New Hanover County Library.

A New Hanover County Sheriff’s Deputy who was at the library apprehended McGriff and took him into custody.

Numerous witnesses were interviewed at the scene.

Police say Phillips has been with the agency for nine years and is assigned to the Downtown Task Force. He is on paid Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the agency’s internal affairs investigation.

The State Bureau of Investigation has also been called in to investigate the officer involved shooting.