Woman in critical condition, officers injured in alleged retaliation shooting at Wilson courthouse

WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A woman was critically injured, and two police officers were hit by gunfire during a shooting Monday morning at the Wilson County Courthouse.

According to the sheriff's office, the shooting happened around 10:40 a.m. During an afternoon news conference, police said a 19-year-old woman was shot outside the courthouse. She's listed in critical condition at the hospital.

"Out of the blue, just quick flurry of gunshots, like pop pop pop," said David Winstead, who was an eyewitness.

Investigators said they believe the shooting was a retaliation shooting that's related to the investigation of a teen who was shot and killed three weeks ago in Wilson; the woman who was shot Monday is related to the murder suspect in that investigation, according to deputies.

As officers responded, the suspect exchanged gunshots with officers before running from the scene.

"And I see this guy running through the parking lot, firing a gun, and then he jumps behind a wall at another business, hiding, but nobody can find him," said Bobby Jenkins, another eyewitness. Then, he finally comes across the wall to get back on the street and start firing shots again at the police officer."

A Wilson police officer and a Wilson County deputy were shot during the exchange. The officer was taken to ECU Health Medical Center and was expected to recover. The deputy was also expected to be OK.

The suspect, 21-year-old Abdul Karim Mustafa, was found not far from the area of the shooting and taken into custody.

He is facing numerous charges, including attempted first-degree murder.

Authorities said the shooting was connected to the death a few weeks ago of 16-year-old Ladarrius Simmons, a Fike High School student who was shot and killed on Spruce Street. Jamel Hines, who was 17 at the time, was arrested and charged with murder. Hines has since turned 18.

Monday's shooting happened ahead of a hearing for his case, where his sister, Latoya Lucas, was shot. Lucas had also been arrested and was facing charges of allegedly helping Hines after Ladarrius' murder.

WATCH | Timeline of how the shooting unfolded

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office says the suspect is in custody after a 19-year-old woman, a deputy and police officer were shot outside the courthouse.

Lucas was scheduled to be in court Tuesday for her alleged role as an accessory after the fact in Ladarrius' murder. Instead, she's fighting for her life.

It remains unclear what Mustafa's connection was to Ladarrius; only that it appeared to be an act of revenge for his murder.

"This person just obviously seen an opportunity to retaliate," said Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard.

Community leaders called for an end to the violence, especially among young people.

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office says the suspect is in custody after a 19-year-old woman, a deputy and a police officer were shot outside the courthouse.

"We want to make sure you have a wonderful and successful life here in Wilson, so I don't want anyone within the sound of my voice to feel like they're alone and they don't have another path," said State Rep. Dante Pittman, D-Wilson.

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting at the courthouse. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating the officer-involved gunfire exchange.

The Wilson Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the shooting to call (252) 399-2323 or Crime Stoppers at (252) 243-2255.

This story will be updated as more information is released.