WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter alert early this morning around 1:28 am in the 600 block of N. 3rd Street in Wilmington.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old man laying down on the sidewalk near the Wilson Center suffering from gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began rendering medical aid before the victim was taken to the hospital by EMS.
As additional officers were heading to the scene they observed a suspicious vehicle with no headlights on leaving the area of the shooting. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of N. 4th St. and Cowan St. but the vehicle failed to stop and a chase ensued.
The suspect drove head on at law enforcement officers before fleeing. Officers pursued the suspect onto the MLK Jr. Parkway, then onto I-40, west out of the city.
Authorities in surrounding counties were contacted and also assisted with the pursuit. The vehicle was eventually stopped following a PITT maneuver at the Pender and Duplin County line. The suspect got out of the vehicle, discarded a gun, and attempted to run away. A WPD K9 was deployed and was able to successfully apprehend the suspect.
27-year-old Kendrick Jihad Johnson was arrested and taken to Novant Health NHRMC in Wilmington to be evaluated for jail clearance. He is currently charged with 1st Degree Attempted Murder and Felony Fleeing to Elude. Johnson is being held at the NHCSO Detention Center without bond.
This is an ongoing investigation.
The public is encouraged to call the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3609 with any information or use the WPD app. You can also share information with police by sending an anonymous text message to 847411 (Tip411) and including the keyword WPDNC.