Police have charged a Clarkton-area man with an early morning shooting that hurt two men and scattered patrons of a Whiteville bar and grill.
D’Angelo Tyrek Lacy, 23, was arrested Monday on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury, with intent to kill. Jail reports and warrants show he listed addresses of 2171 Farmers Union Road and 28 Tart Road, Clarkton. He was held without bond pending an initial appearance.
The incident occurred after a private afterhours gathering at Block’s Bar and Grill. The shootings occurred just after 1 a.m. on Dec. 30, as the gathering was breaking up at the popular downtown eatery, Whiteville Police said. Lacy allegedly argued with another man outside the bar, and opened fire with a 9mm handgun. One of the victims, Gregory Mullins, was transported to New Hanover by helicopter. The second victim, Lawrence Bellamy, initially refused medical care.
The police report showed that seven vehicles were stuck by gunfire or otherwise damaged. The building was also reportedly struck by at least one bullet.
The gunfire led to a stampede of panicked patrons trying to get away from the restaurant, witnesses said. At least one vehicle was abandoned by the driver after it mired down in a muddy area behind the business.
The incident led the owners of the bar and grill to issue a public apology on Facebook, and change their policies to prevent future incidents.
