Ed Edwards, III Death – Wilson police have released more information about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred over the weekend. The incident took place early Sunday morning around 12:30 a.m. in the 900 block of Hood Street, following a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers spoke in person with the caller, who had heard gunshots behind her home. As they began searching the area, officers encountered two individuals, one of whom was identified as Ed Edwards III, a 48-year-old resident of Wilson.
During questioning, Edwards started to walk away. When officers continued to engage him, Edwards allegedly turned towards one officer with a gun and fired. The officers returned fire, hitting Edwards. Despite their immediate efforts to provide aid, Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene by arriving emergency responders.
The officers involved in the shooting were identified as Officer H.M. Little and Officer R.R. Celaya. Both officers have been with the Wilson Police Department since 2022. Little is assigned to the west district, and Celaya is assigned to the north district, both as patrol officers. Following standard procedure, they are on administrative leave while the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducts its investigation into the incident.
