NEW DETAILS: Wilmington man shot after allegedly opening fire on police
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police and the State Bureau of Investigations is investigating an officer involved shooting that happened early Thursday morning.
Police say shortly after 3 a.m., they received reports of gunshots in the 4800 block of Whitner Drive. When they arrived at the Holly Glen neighborhood, someone pointed officers to a nearby town home, where police say 40-year-old David Laudell Jacobs was firing a rifle.
40-year-old David Laudell Jacobs of Wilmington as seen in a 2023 mugshot. (Courtesy: WPD)
Officers immediately evacuated the area and attempted to negotiate with Jacobs. They continued negotiations until about 6 a.m.
During that time, police say Jacobs continued to fire at officers from inside the home. When he finally came out, police thought he would comply with their requests, but he did not.
Lieutenant Greg Willett with WPD says non-lethal rubber bullets were initially used, but that Jacobs ultimately would not comply with their requests to step away from the rifle.
“The less lethal was initially effective, however, he then retreated inside his house, grabbed the rifle that he had set near the doorframe, and proceeded to pick it up. That’s when two WPD officers returned fire striking him,” he explained.
Police say after Jacobs was shot, EMS immediately began performing life-saving measures. He was taken to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
No officers or bystanders were injured.
Robert Feehan lives on the same street a few doors down. He said he woke up to the sound of gunshots.
“I usually have my alarm set for 6:30, at 6:21 I heard popping. Instantly woke me and my wife up,” Feehan recalled.
When Feehan came outside and saw police had blocked off the area, he was in disbelief.
“Usually it’s a very quiet neighborhood, not too many people moving around that early in the morning, so it was definitely startling and shocking,” Feehan noted.
After the shooting, the State Bureau of Investigation was called in.
“Which is standard procedure. Anytime there’s an officer involved shooting here and a person is struck, the SBI comes in to conduct an independent investigation on behalf of the state,” Lt. Willett said.
Feehan and other residents are hoping for a quick resolution.
“We want it to get back to where it was, you know? It’s scary waking up to that, but I still think we have a great neighborhood here and I hope everything gets sorted out,” Feehan said.
Police say Jacobs remains in critical condition after surgery.
He is expected to face numerous charges including Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm and Possession of Firearm by a Felon.
Jacobs was previously charged in 2023 on drug-related offenses.
