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On Sunday morning, around 1:30 a.m., Greenville and ECU police responded to a fight with shots fired near the corner of 5th and Reade street. Once arrived, police say they found a man, ID’d as Brandon Joyner, shooting into a crowd in an alley behind Sup Dogs. Three officers exchanged fire with the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others were taken to Vidant, one with serious injuries and one with non-life threatening injuries.
“They responded in an active shooter style,” Police Chief Mark Holtzman said. “Three of the Greenville Police officers who arrived first on the scene did engage with the suspect and fired upon him in that alley way.”
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. There names have not yet been released.
Mayor P.J. Connelly released a statement Sunday evening following the shooting.
“We understand that community members may have questions about the events that transpired. We also understand no matter what led up to the shooting, the outcome is a tragedy. This is not an easy situation for anyone to endure. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased tonight, as well as the officers who were faced with an extremely difficult situation. I thank you for your patience and trust as the investigation moves forward,” Connelly said.
Written by Clarke Jones