Josh Bryant ID’d As NC Man Killed In Wilmington Valor Drive Police-Involved Shooting

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (THECOUNT) — Joshua Nash Bryant was identified by officials as the man shot and killed by police early Tuesday morning in Wilmington, NC.

Bryant, 20, was killed outside his family home after brandishing a weapon during the nine-hour standoff, said the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities responded to a report of a suicidal man Monday evening. Upon arrival, deputies found Bryant barricaded in the residence. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer said the fatal shooting occurred in the 2700 block of Valor Drive around 5 a.m. Tuesday after Bryant exited the home holding a rifle.

The standoff lasted throughout the night. Brewer says a negotiator arrived at the scene shortly after the incident began. The NHSO Emergency Response Team was called to the home after 4 a.m., but they arrived after the shooting.

After he was shot, EMS transported Bryant to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Late Tuesday morning, a woman who said she was Bryant’s grandmother arrived in the neighborhood. She would not talk on camera, but she told WWAY the family is shocked at what happened. She said Bryant was “a sweet boy.” She said Bryant lived in the house with his father, stepmother and a teenage sister. She said Bryant was arguing last night with his parents before she said Bryant’s father called 911. source

Det. Sean Dixon is on paid administrative leave per Sheriff’s Office policy and protocol until the conclusion of the SBI’s investigation.