Man, Wilson police identified after fatal officer-involved shooting

WILSON, N.C. (WNCN) — Two Wilson police officers and a deceased man were identified on Memorial Day after an officer-involved shooting Sunday.

At 12:30 a.m. Sunday, officers with the Wilson Police Department responded to the 900 block of Hood Street regarding a call of shots fired.

Officers arrived and spoke with the caller, who reported hearing gunshots behind her residence. Officers M. Little and R. Celaya began searching the area and located two individuals on foot in the 800 block of Belmont Avenue.

Little and Celaya made contact with the individuals and began questioning them about shots fired in the area. Police said Ed Lee Edwards III, 48, of Wilson, began walking away from officers.

As the officer continued to question Edwards, police said he turned to the officer and showed him a gun. Police said Edwards shot the officer and both officers returned fire, hitting Edwards.

The Wilson Police Department said Officer Little has been with the department since 2022 and is assigned to the city's West District as a patrol officer. Officer Celaya has been with the department since 2022 and is assigned to the Northern District as a patrol officer.

Officers administered CPR until Wilson County Emergency Medical Services arrived. Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both officers have been placed on administrative duty while the investigation continues.

The Wilson Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Wilson Police Department at 252-399-2323 or Crime Stoppers at 252-243-2255.