Whiteville man to nearly 6 years for gunfire that injured pregnant woman

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville man faces almost 6 years in prison after being involved with gunfire that injured a pregnant woman.

According to court records and evidence presented to the court, Robert Avant, 33, and his co-defendant, Dashaud Maultsby, opened fire on a group of men at the Kent Apartment Complex in Whiteville on May 13, 2021.

The incident began when Maultsby got into an argument with his girlfriend while at the apartment complex. After leaving the area, he returned with Avant, and they began firing AR-15 rifles at an unidentified group of men, who then returned fire. Avant retreated to his vehicle while Maultsby continued shooting as he also moved towards the vehicle. In the process, Maultsby attempted to shoot with one hand as he got into the vehicle, but his rifle fell and discharged accidentally, hitting Avant in the head.

Avant was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, a pregnant woman was shot in the torso during the incident, which necessitated an emergency cesarean section to save her child’s life. Following the events, WPD officers apprehended Maultsby and Avant.

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