Three arrested in connection to shooting inside Rocky Mount Walmart

Officials said that four people attacked one man inside the Walmart on 1511 Benvenue Road. Gunshots were reported at the store at around 5 p.m., according to officials.

Four people had previous interactions with the victim. The group got into an argument, which ended in gunfire, according to police.

The gunshot victim, Willie Ray, 34, was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. His injuries are not expected to be life-threatening, police said.

Jaylen Knight, 21 and Darius Williams, 19, were charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill. One person connected to the shooting was not an adult and released under juvenile petition to his parents.

The fourth suspect in the shooting has not yet been arrested, officials said. A warrant has been served to Akavius Knight, 20. He's been charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

While officials searched and investigated the scene, businesses were closed and people were encouraged to avoid the area.

Shortly before 7 p.m., businesses reopened, but the Walmart stayed closed as officials investigated.

Officials said that the area is now safe for the public to return to.

"Rocky Mount is a safe community and we take pride in our community. Our people have nothing to worry about," said Chief of Police George Robinson.

Maria Melvin was shopping in the Walmart when the shooting happened.

"I had just entered Walmart. I heard two loud shots," Melvin said. "I turned to my right, and probably halfway down the store, I saw people running toward the door. So, I quickly exited at the other end of Walmart."

Melvin said she saw a man, being brought out of the Walmart on a stretcher.

"It was concerning to me for whoever got shot," Melvin said. "I was hearing someone was desperately shot and do pray they will heal from their wounds."