Dennis Windell Marshall was the driver of the vehicle who was involved in a shooting early Saturday morning with Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy David A. Schmale Jr. and Elizabethtown Police Office J. Blake Bryan, the State Bureau of Investigation said Monday night in a news release.
Marshall, 29, was hospitilized after being shot during what began as a routine traffic stop in downtown Elizabethtown about 1 a.m. Saturday, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has said.
According to Sheriff James McVicker, Schmale initiated the stop near the intersection of Poplar Street and King Street after observing Marshall run two traffic lights.
During the stop, McVicker said, it was learned the driver was wanted for failing to appear on a possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). When Marshall was searched, officers found a small bag of a controlled substance, McVicker said.
“At that point, a struggle ensued and (Marshall) made it back to the door of his vehicle and retrieved a handgun. (Schmale) saw the weapon and told (Bryan), who had just arrived, the driver had a gun. (Marshall) then fired a shot at (Bryan) at which time both officers returned fire,” McVicker said.
Marshall was transported to Bladen County Hospital and later moved to New Hanover Memorial Hospital in Wilmington where he underwent surgery. The officers were treated and released.
The SBI is continuing its investigation and will provide a report to the Bladen County District Attorney’s office upon completion, said SBI spokesperson Shannon O’Toole.
About Author
