Overview
- Surveillance and witnesses say a man walked up to 19-year-old LaToya Lucas and shot her outside the Wilson County Courthouse, which occurred on Monday and left her in critical condition.
- Two law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect during his flight and suffered injuries; one officer was hit in the arm and was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
- Police identified and arrested 21-year-old Abdul Karim Mustafa several blocks from the scene after he was shot once in the arm and treated at a local hospital.
- Mustafa has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other counts, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting Wilson investigators as evidence from the courthouse area is processed.
- Officials say the shooting appears to be revenge connected to a separate June homicide on Spruce Street, prompting local discussion about courthouse security and the impact on victims and families.