A frightening shopping experience unfolded at a Walmart location in Wilson, North Carolina when gunfire erupted inside the store on Christmas Eve morning.
Law enforcement reports indicate the incident occurred at approximately 11:08 a.m. at the Forest Hill Road supercenter location.
Police received reports of shots fired within the establishment and responded with multiple units. Upon their approach, officers learned that shoppers had already taken action, disarming one individual and holding him until authorities could arrive.
The detained person was identified as 19-year-old Ashton Marcal Pittman.
According to investigators, Pittman became involved in a confrontation with another individual near an in-store barbershop, which escalated to gunfire. During this altercation, a third person named Jordan Battle reportedly aimed a firearm at Pittman as he was exiting the barbershop area.
A physical struggle ensued between Pittman and Battle, during which a shot was discharged from Battle's weapon. This prompted nearby customers to intervene, seizing Pittman's firearm and restraining him until Wilson police officers reached the scene.
"I heard the gunshots, and it was like a slow-motion movie. I turned, and all I saw was a crowd of people, and I just instantly went, OK, this is a scary situation. I need to get me and my mother out of here," Austin St. Peter said.
Both Pittman and Battle now face charges of attempted first-degree murder.
"I'm really shocked. This is usually a safe place for everyone to come. Wilson is not but so big. And, you know, we don't have a lot of options, but for the Walmart to be closed down, I'm sure it's affecting a lot of people," Tiashell Richardson said.
The two individuals were taken to the Wilson County Jail where they are being held without bond.
Authorities confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident and that their investigation remains active.
The Wilson Police Department requests that anyone with relevant information contact them directly or through Crime Stoppers.
