SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport on Saturday night.
The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. when a single occupant on a boat traveling the Cape Fear River paused at the American Fish Company and opened fire on patrons.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on a boat heading towards Oak Island via the Intracoastal Waterway.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard detained a suspect matching the shooter’s description at a public boat ramp in Oak Island.
He has been identified as Nigel Max Edge.
Edge is being held by the Oak Island Police Department without bond and will be transferred to the Southport Police Department for further questioning, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation, according to investigators.
He will appear in court on Monday.
Officials said Edge used an assault rifle in the attack. Authorities said the shooting was targeted and premeditated. They also believe Edge, a resident on the island, acted alone.
Edge was in the military and was injured in the line of duty, police said. He told investigators he suffers from severe PTSD.
Police said their department is familiar with Edge from small run-ins but that he has no significant criminal history.
He has filed numerous lawsuits against the Southport Police Department, officials said.
Authorities said there is no further credible threat to the public, and security has been increased in the area to ensure safety.
The investigation is ongoing, authorities said. Updates regarding the suspect’s identity and potential charges will be provided by the City of Southport.
Residents were advised to follow updates from the City of Southport on their official Facebook page for the latest information regarding this incident.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
WATCH: Two killed, multiple injured in shootings across Charlotte
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
