Officer-involved shooting reported in Wilmington; suspect in custody

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington police officers and New Hanover County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an armed individual in Wilmington’s 700 block of Red Cross Street Friday evening, leading to an officer-involved shooting.

The Wilmington Police Department said officers and deputies responded around 7:26 p.m. after receiving a report that an individual was acting aggressively and had pointed a firearm at another person.

Officers located an individual matching the description near Seventh and Red Cross streets. During the encounter, police said the individual fired shots at law enforcement officers.

In response to what officials described as an imminent threat, multiple officers fired their weapons to protect nearby citizens and fellow officers.

Emergency personnel responded, and the individual was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with standard policy.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.