Crime
Watch: Moments shots fired inside Lumberton Walmart, victim identified as 42-year-old Brandy Olson
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
Lumberton, NC – Shocking video footage has captured the moments when shots rang out inside the Lumberton Walmart on Fayetteville Road, leaving shoppers scrambling for safety amid a chaotic scene.
In the footage, a man can be heard yelling, “Get on the floor!” as panicked customers ran for the exits.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 42-year-old woman, identified as Brandy Olson, who was killed in the shooting on Friday evening.
According to the Lumberton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walmart at approximately 3:45 p.m. following a report of shots fired.
When officers and other responding agencies arrived, they found Olson suffering from a gunshot wound inside the Woodforest Bank located within the store.
Olson, described as an innocent bystander, was given immediate aid by bystanders attempting life-saving measures before being transported to UNC Health Southeastern.
Despite efforts to save her, Olson succumbed to her injuries.
Police confirmed that the shooter fled the store and left the area before law enforcement could apprehend them.
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
City Councilman John Cantey Jr. released a statement following the incident:
“I would just like to reiterate to our citizens here in Lumberton. A lot of the citizens are calling. With inquiries into the tragic shooting at our Walmart. Just want to let our citizens know that it was an isolated incident. Where an innocent bystander was shot. I don’t want to preempt our law enforcement. Because they are working very hard and diligently to apprehend those suspects. I know our citizens are afraid. They are fearful of this holiday season. And it is a tragedy. And our prayers, on behalf of my precinct, and the city goes out to the lady’s family that unfortunately. And I will go on record and I will see it. Unfortunately has lost her life today because of the tragic event. Enough is enough. Gun violence is getting out of control. Us as elected officials, on a local level. The county, state, and federal level is going to have to somehow come up with some type of understanding. Mutual ground. We don’t want to infringe upon anybody’s individual rights on the second amendment. But, these guns out on the street that are on warranted. Or stolen, or obtained illegally. They are really harming our community. And, our citizens and we’re just going to have to pray. Pray just a little bit harder.”
Law enforcement is continuing their investigation and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Sgt. Blake Harrell of the Lumberton Police Department can be reached at 910-671-3845.
The Lumberton community is left shaken by this tragedy as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.