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- Abdul Karim Mustafa arrested after being shot in the arm, treated at hospital, then taken into custody following exchange with officers.
- Two officers were shot, both reported stable; Wilson County deputy's body armor likely prevented more serious injuries.
- Shooting believed retaliatory over killing of 16-year-old LaDarrius Simmons; Latoya Lucas faces obstruction and accessory charges.
A 19-year-old woman remains in critical condition after she was shot multiple times outside the Wilson County Courthouse in downtown Wilson, North Carolina, on Monday in what authorities describe as a targeted act of retaliation.
According to Wilson County Sheriff Calvin L. Woodard Jr., 21-year-old Abdul Karim Mustafa allegedly waited on a bench outside the courthouse before approaching the woman, identified as Latoya Lucas, as she walked toward the building around 10:30 a.m. Surveillance video reportedly captured the moments leading up to the attack.
Investigators say Mustafa opened fire, striking Lucas multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot. As he ran several blocks away, he encountered a Wilson County sheriff’s deputy and a Wilson police officer. Authorities say Mustafa exchanged gunfire with both officers, leaving them with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, both officers were reported to be in stable condition. The deputy’s body armor is believed to have helped prevent more serious injuries.
Mustafa was shot once in the arm during the exchange. He was treated at a local hospital before being taken into custody. Officials said no additional members of the public were injured during the incident.
Sheriff Woodard said investigators believe the shooting was motivated by retaliation connected to the June killing of 16-year-old LaDarrius Simmons. Court records indicate Lucas was facing charges of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact in connection with that homicide investigation. A 17-year-old has been charged with murder in Simmons’ death. Authorities emphasized that the investigation into Monday’s shooting remains ongoing.
In a statement given to the NC Beat, the family strongly denied any involvement and condemned any retaliation.
Mustafa is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm within city limits, and injury to real property. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities with the officer-involved shooting investigation. Officials have not released additional details as they continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
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