More than 100 shots fired in Whiteville apartment complex shooting

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — More than 100 gunshots were fired during an early morning shootout on July 5 near the BrookBerry Apartments on Martin Luther King Street, according to the Whiteville Police Department.

Police said multiple people exchanged gunfire, damaging at least four vehicles and four apartments. Police said one bullet struck a wall less than a foot above the head of a child under the age of 2, who narrowly avoided injury.

One person has been charged in connection with the incident, and police said additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

In a statement Monday, Police Chief Paul Rockenbach condemned the violence and announced increased enforcement measures across the city.

“The violence we witnessed this past weekend is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the City of Whiteville,” Rockenbach said. “The reckless disregard for human life demonstrated by individuals who choose to engage in gun violence will be met with swift and firm enforcement of the law.”

The department said patrols will be stepped up in areas of concern, with officers strictly enforcing violations involving loitering, drug activity, abandoned vehicles, parking, and open container laws.

“We are committed to removing those who threaten the safety and peace of our city,” Rockenbach said.

WWAY has reached out to the Whiteville Police Department for more details on the person charged in the case.