WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) — Two suspects appeared in court on Friday, Jan. 2, for charges involving a shooting that happened outside a Waffle House on New Year’s Day.
According to the assistant district attorney, two defendants were parked in a black Honda in the Waffle House parking lot on Carolina Beach Road when another car pulled up, and its occupants opened fire.
One victim was shot in the leg and driven to the hospital. Investigators found that one bullet went into the restaurant.
According to arrest warrants, 18-year-old Jacquae Taijhon Roland and 19-year-old Jaquan Miller were arrested on Thursday, Jan. 1, by the Wilmington Police Department.
They allegedly shot into a blue Hyundai sedan and a silver Infiniti sedan outside the restaurant while those cars were occupied.
Police said they recovered 36 shell casings from the scene, and officials believe this incident involved rival gangs.
Officials said these gangs were also involved in the gun incident at Independence Mall on Dec. 23 that led to the arrests of five men.
Police said they had seen the two suspects at a checkpoint and that each had a gun on their lap. They said they did not apprehend them at the time because they did not have a warrant.
Roland and Miller have both been charged with the following:
Miller requested a court-appointed attorney and was granted a $250,000 secured bond. If he posts bond, he will be placed under house arrest by court order.
Roland asked for a court-appointed attorney and has a $250,000 secured bond. He will be placed under house arrest if he posts bond.
Roland and Miller will have their next court date on Jan. 22.
This is a developing story. Information will be updated as details are made available.
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