According to the Wilmington Police Department, WPD officers and NHCSO deputies responded to a report of an armed individual on the 700 block of Red Cross Street. Officials say the individual was reportedly acting aggressively and had pointed a firearm at someone.
WPD said the situation escalated when they arrived at the scene.
"Officers located an individual matching the description near 7th and Red Cross Street. During the encounter, the armed individual fired shots at law enforcement officers. In response to an imminent threat, multiple officers discharged their weapons to protect nearby citizens and fellow officers. Emergency personnel responded, and the individual was transported to Novant Health NHRMC with serious injuries," a WPD spokesperson wrote in a statement released Friday night.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting, which is standard practice when an officer is involved in a use-of-force incident. WPD said the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard policy for most law enforcement agencies.
WPD said the investigation remains active and open, and that more information will be released as it becomes available. Officials have not announced how many officers and/or deputies were involved. No word yet on the identity of the suspect or what charges they may be facing.