Bar Patron Filming Cargo Ships Thwarted Mass Shooting at N.C. Hotspot Night Before Suspect Returned and Killed 3

A heroic act by a bar patron in North Carolina may have thwarted a potential mass shooting at a local hotspot the night before the tragic incident took place. Dane Britt, a performer at American Fish Company, revealed to PEOPLE that his wife inadvertently saved his life and the lives of others by filming a suspicious individual the night before the attack. The suspect, identified as Nigel Edge, was allegedly seen on his boat by Britt’s wife while she was filming cargo ships near the bar. Edge, who is accused of carrying out the mass shooting the following night, was allegedly planning the attack on Friday but abandoned the idea after being noticed on his boat.

Britt recounted how his wife’s chance encounter with Edge on the boat played a crucial role in preventing the attack. The footage captured by his wife showed Edge behaving suspiciously, prompting him to hide from the camera. Prosecutors now believe that Edge had intended to unleash violence on the patrons at the bar on Friday night, but the plan was foiled by the unexpected filming. Edge returned to the bar the next night and carried out the brutal attack, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others.

Following the shooting, Edge was tracked down and arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard as he was unloading his boat on Oak Island. He has since been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, in addition to multiple other charges related to the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as authorities continue their investigation into the tragic event. The names of the victims have not been released at this time, as the community mourns the senseless loss of life.

Edge, formerly known as Sean Debevoise during his time in the Marines, had a decorated military career that included deployments to Iraq and recognition for his service. However, his post-service years were marked by legal disputes and claims of conspiracy against him, including a lawsuit filed against singer Kellie Pickler. Edge is currently in custody without bail, awaiting his court hearing scheduled for October 13.

In the wake of this devastating incident, Governor Josh Stein expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and commended the swift action taken by law enforcement in apprehending the suspect. The community has been left shaken by the tragedy, as they come to terms with the reality of gun violence in their midst. As North Carolinians unite in support of the injured and grieving families, questions linger about the events that led to such a horrific act of violence.

The bravery and quick thinking of Dane Britt’s wife serve as a reminder of the potential impact of individual actions in preventing acts of violence. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the mass shooting, there is a renewed sense of vigilance and solidarity in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. The tragic events that unfolded at the American Fish Company have left a deep scar on the tight-knit community, but they have also sparked a conversation about the need for greater efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.