Three Gang Members Charged In Wingate Neighborhood Shooting

WINGATE, N.C. – Police arrested three men in connection to a drive-by shooting at a Wingate neighborhood in May of this year, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrested 19-year-old Derrick Moses, 22-year-old Lukus Buchanon, and 25-year-old Eddie Blackwell III this week. All three suspects openly identified themselves as gang members, the sheriff’s office said.

“The investigation into this shooting has been extensive, and I commend all the UCSO personnel responsible for this successful outcome,” Sheriff Cathey said. 

The drive-by shooting happened on Eastwood Drive near Monroe-Ansonville Road in Wingate, North Carolina. The suspects fired over 40 rounds during the incident, the sheriff’s office said.

“These three suspects drove into a local neighborhood that was densely populated with single-family homes and recklessly fired a large number of rounds with no concern about where those rounds would land or who they may strike,” Sheriff Cathey said. 

No one was injured from the incident.

“I am thankful no one was injured and glad these dangerous men are off our streets,” Sheriff Cathey said.

All three men are in custody at this time. Buchanon and Blackwell were previously convicted of felony criminal charges and as such, received an additional charge.

Derrick Moses: Attempted Murder, 3 counts, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, 3 counts – $750,000 secured bond

Lukus Buchanon: Attempted Murder, 3 counts, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, 3 counts, Possession of a Firearm by Felon – $750,000 secured bond

Eddie Blackwell III: Attempted Murder, 3 counts, Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, 3 counts, Possession of a Firearm by Felon – $1,000,000 secured bond