Two Arrested in Connection with Member-Involved Shooting on I-295 in Cumberland County
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with a member-involved shooting that took place on Interstate 295 on the evening of September 2. Officials identified the suspects as 21-year-old Jumar Lavelle Moore and 19-year-old Destiny Mahkia Williamson, both of Fayetteville. The pair are now in custody facing multiple charges as the investigation continues.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of gunfire on I-295 near the River Road exit shortly after 8:30 p.m. The incident involved an exchange of shots between at least one suspect and law enforcement personnel. Officials confirmed that no deputies were injured in the confrontation, but the event caused panic among drivers traveling the busy interstate at the time.
Investigators say Moore and Williamson fled the scene following the shooting, prompting a large-scale search that involved multiple agencies, including the Fayetteville Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The suspects were located less than 24 hours later and taken into custody without further incident.
Moore has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, felony fleeing to elude arrest, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Williamson faces charges including accessory after the fact and felony obstruction of justice. Authorities noted that additional charges may be filed as the case develops.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have ended far worse,” said Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright. “We are grateful no deputies or members of the public were harmed during this reckless act of violence. These arrests are an important step in ensuring accountability.”
The shooting temporarily shut down a section of I-295 as investigators processed the scene, causing significant traffic backups for commuters. Witnesses described the chaos of cars swerving to avoid the gunfire and law enforcement vehicles converging on the area.
Court records show that Moore has a prior criminal history, while Williamson is believed to have played a supportive role in assisting Moore following the incident. Both suspects remain in custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center. Bond information has not yet been released.
The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone with additional information or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
This case highlights growing concerns about highway gun violence and the risks faced by law enforcement during roadside encounters. Local leaders have pledged to review safety protocols and continue efforts to reduce violent crime in Cumberland County.
