WPD explains reasons for recent shootings

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It seems there has been an increase in gun violence in the Port City, and in recent weeks, ShotSpotter reports have shown several instances of homes and vehicles being shot.

Yesterday, we spoke with those close to the shootings to get their thoughts on what could be causing this.

Today, we asked Wilmington Police how the crime statistics compare to this time last year.

Last month, WPD says there were 4 charges for shootings into homes or cars. And September of 2013, they say there were six.

However a WPD spokeswoman says if an incident was coded as another aggravated assault charge it would not appear in these numbers.

Monday Mystic Wainwright, who lives near the Greenfield Street shooting, had his own theory about why it seems drive-by shootings have increased.

He said people are just trying to support their families, so if they can’t find jobs or money, they could turn to crime.

But Deputy Chief Mitch Cunningham says this is not the case.

“The reason these occur are disputes,” Cunningham explained. “Disputes between groups, and sometimes it’s over drug territory, sometime it’s over respect, and when these disputes get more serious then they resort to gunfire.”

Cunningham says officers have made some recent arrests that should make an impact.

Plus, he says the Creekwood neighborhood, where a deputy was shot last year, has seen a 32% reduction in crime thanks to their efforts.