FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2019
A Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with first degree murder Wednesday morning following an investigation at a residence on East Second Avenue.
Just after 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, Mount Gilead Police Officers and Montgomery County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to check the health and welfare of a resident on East Second Avenue. Upon arrival, Officers spoke with an individual who was concerned about the resident.
As Officers began to enter the residence in question, they were approached by William Dewayne Brewington, 35, who came from behind the residence. During the encounter, Brewington approached officers with a shotgun pointed directly at them. As officers retreated for cover, Brewington continued to advance on the officers with the gun pointed at them. After an exchange of gunfire, Brewington retreated into nearby woods.
During a subsequent search of the residence, Officers found Paul David Baldwin deceased on the floor of his residence. Mr. Baldwin appeared to have been struck by gunfire.
A short time later, Brewington was found at a residence on North Main Street. He was suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Brewington was transported to Atrium Health – Stanly for treatment.
Upon release, Brewington was transported back to Montgomery County and charged with murder with additional charges likely. Brewington was placed in the Montgomery County Detention Center with no bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for December 12, 2019.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations was called in to assist with the investigation and the officer involved shooting incident.
The officers involved in the shooting were not injured. Both were placed on administrative leave pending a review from the State Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office.