Man arrested on suspicion of assault, kidnapping after exchange of gunfire with Winston-Salem police

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A man faces assault and kidnapping charges after an incident at an apartment complex in Winston-Salem, according to police.

Around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, police responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 800 block of Meadow Ridge Court.

As officers canvassed the area, they found two people nearby, one of whom was later identified as Cortez Desean Ireland, 23, of Winton-Salem. Police have not released the name of the second individual “as the investigation is ongoing and additional investigative steps must be completed.” Ireland was allegedly in possession of a firearm.

When the officers stopped to approach, one of the people allegedly fired at the officers and struck the patrol vehicle. An officer returned fire four times and people fled. Shortly after, the police were able to arrest the two people.

No one was injured during the exchange of gunfire.

Investigators determined that before officers arrived, Ireland and the unidentified person were in an apartment with a 19-year-old woman and a 22-year-old woman. Ireland allegedly assaulted one of the two women and held them both at gunpoint. He allegedly fired a shot into the ceiling. Ireland and the unidentified person then left the scene, and a cell phone belonging to one of the victims was removed from the apartment.

No one was injured by gunfire during the incident at the apartment.

Ireland was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm into an enclosure to incite fear, 2 counts of charge of second degree kidnapping, misdemeanor domestic violence, 2 counts. misdemeanor assault by pointing a firearm and misdemeanor assault on a woman. Ireland received no bond.

Police say there is no danger to the community. Everyone involved knew each other.

The Winston-Salem Police Department is conducting an internal administrative investigation through its Professional Standards Division, per protocol for all use of force incidents. WSPD is not releasing the officer's name at this time, but the officer has been placed on administrative duty per standard procedure.

Anyone with information is asked to call the WSPD non-emergency number at (336) 773-7700. To submit anonymous tips, individuals can report information by calling Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800 or En Espanol at (336) 728-3904 or using the Text-A-Tip program at (336) 276-1717 to submit a text. photo and video tips directly to WSPD detectives. A The Crime Stoppers tip form can also be viewed online..