Two Men Charged in Wilson Drive-By Shooting with 40+ Counts of Discharging a Firearm

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Wilson Drive-By Shooting: Two Suspects Arrested and Facing Over 40 Charges

Wilson, North Carolina – In a shocking incident that unfolded on Friday afternoon, two men were apprehended and are now facing more than 40 counts of discharging firearm charges. The drive-by shooting occurred in broad daylight, targeting a home on Vance Street N.E., where three individuals were present at the time. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

According to a news release issued by the Wilson Police Department on Monday, the distress call came in just before 12:30 p.m. The caller, who was inside the residence, reported multiple gunshots fired into her home. Two other individuals were also present inside the house during the terrifying incident.

In a fortunate turn of events, a man who was sitting in his car nearby also became a victim of the indiscriminate gunfire. His vehicle suffered damage but, thankfully, he escaped unharmed.

The suspects, who were inside a vehicle during the attack, managed to flee the scene before law enforcement officers arrived. However, the diligent initial investigation led the Wilson Police Department to identify Laking Frederick Smith, 18, of Wilson, as a suspect. He was swiftly apprehended shortly after the shooting.

The following day, Wilson police continued their relentless investigation and successfully identified Kelsie Amonte Barnes, 25, also from Wilson, as the driver of the vehicle involved in the drive-by shooting.

Both Smith and Barnes are now facing serious charges, including 46 counts of discharging a firearm from an enclosure to incite fear, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, as confirmed by the police.

As a consequence of their alleged involvement in this heinous crime, both suspects are being held without bond in the Wilson County Jail.

The community of Wilson has been left shaken by this brazen and dangerous act of violence. Local authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.

The Wilson Police Department is determined to ensure the safety and security of its residents, working tirelessly to bring justice to those affected by such criminal acts..