Suspect dies from injuries sustained during officer-involved shooting last Wednesday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A suspect in an officer-involved shooting has died, according to the Wilmington Police Department.

It happened around 5:45am on May 22nd in the 900 block of S. 11th Street.

Crisis negotiators and the Cape Fear Regional Special Teams SWAT Team went to the home to conduct a search warrant as part of a narcotics investigation.

According to a news release, Wilmington Police deployed a distraction device inside of a window at the home and without warning, the suspect, identified as Malik Samuell Thompson, 27, then began to open fire at the officers.

A round hit a SWAT officer in the vest. Law enforcement returned fire, critically wounding Thompson. He died on Sunday, according to police.

As per protocol, two officers who discharged their weapons are on paid administrative leave.

Police say at the crime scene, officers located 416 dosage units of Fentanyl, 18.75 grams Cocaine, 76 dosage usage of Xanax, and a gun. Thompson had a prior criminal history to include previous assault and firearms related charges.