WILMINGTON — City police may have broken up an active shooter scenario Wednesday at a company on the west end of town.
The man, whose name was not immediately released, was arrested at the scene at Abbott Image Solutions on Park Drive off South Nelson Avenue. There was a handgun on the man and ammunition was found throughout the business, said Acting Chief Ron Cravens.
Cravens said he believes it may have been an active shooter context based upon the man’s actions and his comments after he was arrested.
The suspect, who Cravens said has a criminal history of violence and weapons manufacturing, will be charged in federal court Thursday, according to the acting chief.
Due to what Cravens described as the suspect’s lengthy criminal history, law enforcement obtained a search warrant of the man’s residence, located at 111 E. Locust St. in Wilmington. The building there is a duplex apartment, and is well-known as the former site of Allen Photography.
Cravens said of the situation at Abbot Image Solutions, “Sgt. Ron Fithen, Ptl. Whitney Johnson and Ptl. Matt Hamilton all did a fantastic job today,” adding they reacted quickly and possibly stopped a large loss of life.
“I don’t think the community realizes just how great the officers we have are, and what they’re willing to do and sacrifice themselves to stop any potential harm to anybody,” said Cravens.
A combined Clinton County SWAT team of city police and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant of the residence. The 100 block of East Locust Street was shut down during the activity.
During the SWAT team’s raid, devices used for purposes of distraction were set off for officers’ safety, making thunderous noises.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
