Fayetteville police hunt for suspect in Saturday morning shootings
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Warrants are out against a Fayetteville man police say was responsible for three shootings in the city that left three people injured.
Fayetteville police are frantically working to find 23-year-old Luther Gatling. Investigators tell ABC11 he showed complete disregard to human life when he drove to three locations and shot innocent people. The shootings happened within a half hour timespan early Saturday morning.
"We do have extra staff in actively looking for Mr. Gatling at this time, as well as additional intelligence staff running down necessary leads that come in," said Capt. Chuck Hunter. "We're really pushing to make an arrest as soon as we can."
Police say Gatling first went to a parking lot on Bragg Boulevard and fired shots at patrons outside of a business. Investigators tell ABC11 he went to B. and Link Streets and began firing inside a taxicab. Gatling's last stop, according to police, was East Orange Street where he shot a woman.
Investigators don't believe the incidents are gang related or robbery was the motive. Police say all three people appear to be innocent victims of random acts of violence.
"We don't have an understanding as to why he was out riding around, encountering people this morning and then shooting at them," said Hunter.
Police say the vehicle Gatling was driving has been seized.
Gatling's picture is now on a larger than life wanted poster, flashing on nearly half a dozen electronic billboards across town.
Until he's in custody, authorities are warning the public he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The three injured victims were rushed to the hospital. One is listed in critical condition. The two others have been released.
Police say there is another person of interest they are looking for.
Anyone with information concerning the shootings or the whereabouts of Gatling is asked to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 916-2764 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
