Two charged following recent shooting in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two men are charged after a drive-by shooting that happened in Wilmington.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, on December 8th a drive-by shooting in the Market North Apartments community saw several rounds striking and entering a residence where children lived.

Wilmington police executed multiple search warrants in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, leading to the arrests of the suspected driver, Jayden Pearson, 20, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the suspected shooter, Brandon Smith Jr., 22, of Winnabow. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Cape Fear Regional SWAT team, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the ATF.

Pearson is facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm enclosure, and felony conspiracy. He is being held without bond. Smith is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm enclosure, and possession of a firearm by a felon.