A North Carolina man has been charged after a gunman opened fire on a popular waterfront restaurant, killing three people and wounding at least five others on Sept. 27, in what officials called a “highly premeditated” attack.
The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. at American Fish Company, a bar and restaurant in Southport, North Carolina, according to WBTV.
In a Sept. 28 press conference, authorities said the suspect, 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge of Oak Island, North Carolina, fired from a white center-console boat using a rifle before fleeing down the waterway. The U.S. Coast Guard later intercepted the vessel, and police took him into custody.
Edge, who identified himself to police as a combat veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, faces three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Prosecutors said more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
District Attorney Jon David said during the press conference that many of the victims were vacationers but declined to release their names.
Oak Island Police Chief Charlie Morris said his department was “familiar” with the suspect and that Edge has filed “numerous” lawsuits against the police department and the town in recent years. Edge had no serious criminal history, Morris said.
American Fish Company announced in a statement that the restaurant and its neighboring business, Frying Pan restaurant, will close indefinitely.
“Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” the statement read. “God bless Southport.”
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