Suspect’s family speaks following shooting arrest

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Police say a Wilmington man is facing an attempted murder charge after an early morning armed robbery turned shooting outside of a Wilmington hotel room.

Police say the call came in around 4:45 a.m. reporting an armed robbery at the Red Roof Inn on Market Street. That’s where they say Sharod Bryant, 24, first approached a woman, pointing a gun at her and demanding money.

Officers say when the woman’s husband tried to stop the robbery, that’s when Bryant shot him in the chest area. The man was listed in serious condition.

Police say Bryant is facing charges for attempted first degree murder, possession of a stolen firearm, armed robbery, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. According to the jail website, he’s being held under a $2 million bond.

WWAY was reached by email Monday afternoon by Diana Bryant. She says she’s the mother of Sharod Bryant.

“We want to say that our prayers and thoughts are with the victims’ family,” Bryant said. “We are hoping for the best outcome in this situation. We, as a hardworking, caring, close-knit family, ask forgiveness for the actions of one individual family member. We believe in the power of prayer and know that prayer changes situations. We also believe that the character of a person is not determined by one incident in life. As the investigation continues, we continue to ask for the prayers from the community for all individuals involved.