UPDATE: Three people shot in home invasion, not drive-by shooting as first reported by police

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington police have said that a shooting that wounded three people at the 400 block of Rutledge Dr. that occurred on Tuesday evening was a home invasion.

“Upon an additional investigation and after completing a search warrant, the WPD has learned that the shooting that occurred in the 400 block of Rutledge Drive was a home invasion and actually took place inside the residence. The suspect then went outside towards a vehicle, fired additional shots, and fled the scene,” the Wilmington Police Department wrote in a press release.

A spokesperson with Wilmington Police Department confirmed that the three people wounded sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

17-year-old Jesus Aguirre says his little brother was outside playing in his neighborhood, a place that should be safe, when he heard the gunshots from the incident.

“You would assume like where you live, it’s a safe place for you and your family. Like I said, my brother was outside playing, and he had to listen to what had happened around here and you just kind of don’t expect something like that to happen to you. Especially being in broad daylight, you know. It was just really sudden for all of us,” said Aguirre.

Police say that the incident is not a random act of violence but an isolated incident that is possibly drug-related.

“A number of shooting incidents that our department responds to often have a drug or gang nexus. Individuals who are part of a lifestyle involving illegal narcotics, gang activity, or other criminal activity are more susceptible to becoming a victim. We encourage the public to always be aware of what is going on around them. If you happen to know of possible illegal activity taking place near your home or business, please report it to the authorities,” said Chief Donny Williams.

In an earlier report, WPD stated that officers arrived and found a vehicle had previously pulled up to a home and the person inside the vehicle began to fire into the residence.

Anyone with information is asked to call (910) 343-3609 or use the anonymous Tip 411 app.

This developing story will be updated as more details become available.

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