New Year’s Chaos: Army Guard Member Claims Self-Defense After Downtown Wilmington Gunfire
WILMINGTON, NC – Just 90 minutes into the New Year, a young woman found herself at the center of chaos after allegedly firing multiple shots into the downtown Wilmington sky. Daknotica Randolph, 20, claims her actions were in self-defense after being maced during an altercation. She now faces charges of discharging a firearm in a reckless manner and going armed to the terror of people.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Front and Market Streets at approximately 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. A crowd of around 100 people celebrating the holiday scattered as shots rang out, according to Wilmington Police.
Randolph’s Account: “I Don’t Feel Bad for Defending Myself”
In a phone interview with local TV station WECT, Randolph, a recent graduate of North Carolina A&T and a member of the Army National Guard, said she was acting in self-defense.
“I feel bad that I scared people,” she said. “But I don’t feel bad for defending myself.”
Randolph explained that the confrontation started inside Varnish, a bar on Market Street, where she and three cousins were involved in an altercation and subsequently removed by security. As she walked to her car, she claimed she was maced twice by members of a group, primarily men, who had gathered outside.
In response, Randolph said she fired two shots into the air, openly carrying her gun to protect herself and her family.
Police Say Evidence Doesn’t Support Claims
The Wilmington Police Department disputes Randolph’s account. Public Information Officer Greg Willett stated there was no clear evidence she was maced. Randolph also did not initially mention being maced during her recorded conversation with officers at the scene, Willett noted.
“If there was some sort of encounter or situation she was having with somebody, there’s an alternative other than shooting a gun up in the air,” Willett said.
Officers stationed nearby did not observe any indication of Randolph being maced, Willett added.
The Arrest and Aftermath
More than 10 officers responded to the scene within a minute of the gunfire. Randolph said she surrendered peacefully, walking into the street, sliding her gun toward officers, and raising her hands.
She alleged police failed to read her Miranda rights, though Willett clarified that officers are only required to do so when someone is under arrest and being interrogated about a crime.
Randolph posted her $10,000 secured bond and plans to leave town.
Increased Downtown Security
Law enforcement agencies, including the Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, had increased their presence downtown for New Year’s Eve. However, Willett acknowledged the challenges of preventing such incidents entirely.
“We do everything in our power to keep people safe,” he said. “Prevention is the goal, but you can’t prevent 100% of everything, no matter how hard you try.”
A Community Divided
Randolph’s case has sparked debate among local residents, with some questioning the appropriateness of her actions and others pointing to the need for greater safety measures in crowded public spaces. As investigations continue, the incident remains a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding public safety and personal protection.