Drive-by shooting, robbery, argument keep BCSO deputies busy

It was a busy weekend for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Two separate incidents in Shallotte involving guns left one person in the hospital with a gunshot wound and another in possession of more than $27,000 worth of items stolen.

A third incident in Bolivia also involved gunfire.

On Friday, Jan. 11, a little before 10:30 p.m., two people at 641 NW Tryon Road, Shallotte, were watching the Lakers basketball game on television. According to Capt. Mose Highsmith, BCSO Legal Affairs, an unknown subject or subjects fired into the residence.

“A person was struck. They heard a vehicle driving but didn’t see it,” Highsmith said. “They heard gunshots, realized someone was shooting into the residence and got on the floor.”

One person was struck in the leg and was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

It appears multiple gunshots were fired. There was also damage to the vinyl siding of the home.

The incident is under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and vandalism.

Anyone with information should contact the BCSO at 253-2777 or online at brunswicksheriff.com.

Robbery

Also on Friday, Jan. 11, just before 7:30 p.m., a robbery, aggravated assault and burglary with forcible entry were reported at 4080 Ruby Way, Shallotte.

According to BCSO, the victims reported someone knocked on the door and when they answered the door was forced open.

A second suspect also forced his way into the home through the back door.

There were a total of three men involved. They were described as black males in their late 20s. Two men were described as being 5 foot 9 inches; one weighing about 175 pounds and another weighing about 165 pounds.

A third male was described as being 6 foot 1 inch in height and weighing about 175 pounds.

The three reportedly used a handgun and robbed two male victims inside the house.

Among items stolen were jewelry totaling more than $25,000, $1,500 cash, Nike Air Jordan Number 7 Edition shoes, a Razor cell phone and a 9 mm rifle.

“The incident is still under investigation,” Highsmith said.

Anyone with information should contact the BCSO at 253-2777 or go online to brunswicksheriff.com.

Shots fired in Bolivia

Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, gunshots rang out on Midway Road near Lewis Loop in Bolivia.

Two men were involved in an altercation when one man allegedly began shooting a shotgun at the other.

According to Highsmith, the victim was driving on N.C. 211 when the suspect began throwing things at his vehicle. The victim and the suspect got into a shouting match outside of the victim’s residence.

The suspect pulled out a shotgun and began at the victim before driving away. There were pellet impacts on the side of the victim’s truck.

Joseph Elbert Whitaker Jr. was later arrested. He was booked into the Brunswick County Detention Center at 3 p.m. that same day.

Whitaker, 20, of Bolivia, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a weapon into an occupied residence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.