Teenage gang member arrested in connection with Monday night shooting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police Officers arrested two men in connection with a shooting that occurred Monday night at 9:49 p.m. in the 1100 block of Stewart Circle. Officers arrested validated gang member Trent James Aaron Jinwright, 18, of Wilmington and Stephen Ryder Pearsall, 19, of Watha.

Officers with the Housing Task Force heard gunshots from the area of Stewart Circle. As the officer was turning his car he observed a vehicle leaving the area speeding toward Spaulding Drive near N. 30th St. The car then turned onto a dirt road, that leads to MLK Jr. Parkway.

Patrol and K-9 officers, were able to quickly set up a perimeter and track the suspects, who were discovered hiding behind a house. Both men were taken into custody without incident. Officers arrested Jinwright and Pearsall. Officers located a firearm and heroin on Jinwright. A search of the vehicle yielded an additional firearm.

Gang Task Force detectives conducted the investigation and Jinwright was subsequently charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon, discharging a firearm within city limits, discharging a firearm from an enclosure, and resist, delay and obstruct an officer. Pearsall was charged with resist, delay, obstruct an officer.

Additional charges for Jinwright may be pending. The incident is still being investigated.