Shots fired during fight inside NC Walmart, customers disarm suspect, hold him for police; 2 charged

WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A scary shopping day for customers after shots were fired inside a Walmart in Wilson. The store closed after the incident and didn't reopen.

According to police, the shooting happened at 11:08 a.m. Christmas Eve at the supercenter on Forest Hill Road.

Eyewitnesses told ABC11 that they were evacuated as officers responded to a shots-fired inside the store call.

"I heard the gunshots, and I just instantly went, OK, this is a scary situation," Austin St. Peter said. "I need to get me and my mother out of here."

Police said while responding to the scene, officers were informed that customers inside the store had disarmed one of the suspects and were restraining him until they arrived.

Wilson police identified the person being held by customers as 19-year-old Ashton Marcal Pittman.

Investigators say Pittman and another person got into an altercation near a barbershop inside the store, and shots were fired. During that altercation, police say a third person, Jordan Battle, pointed a gun at Pittman as he was leaving the barbershop.

Pittman and Battle engaged in a physical fight and a shot was fired from Battle's gun, police said. That's when customers intervened, disarmed Pittman, and restrained him until Wilson police officers arrived.

Pittman and Battle were each charged with attempted first-degree murder.

"It's a bit scary," Christian Avis said after driving from Roanoke Rapids. "It's a shame, really, right before Christmas."

They were booked into the Wilson County Jail with no bond.

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One customer said she was shocked by what happened.

"I'm really shocked. This is usually a safe place for everyone to come. Wilson is not but so big. And, you know, we don't have a lot of options, but for the Walmart to be closed down, I'm sure it's affecting a lot of people," Tiashell Richardson said.

Police said no injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.

The Wilson Police Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding this case to call (252) 399-2323 or Crime Stoppers at (252) 243-2255.