Man wanted in 3 NC shootings captured hiding in dryer

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Luther Gatling - the man wanted for three alleged random shootings in Fayetteville, N.C., over the weekend - was captured Tuesday hiding in a clothes dryer.

A U.S. Marshals task force found him at a mobile home in the 4400 block of Zabell Drive in the Cedar Creek community. As officers searched the home, they noticed one of Gatling's dreadlocks sticking out of the closed dryer door. Gatling was removed from the clothes dryer, handcuffed, and taken to the Fayetteville Police Department.

Gatling was the target of a relentless manhunt that even included electronic billboards.

Deputies and the Fayetteville Police Department had been searching for the 23-year-old after he allegedly drove to three locations and shot innocent people. The shootings happened within a half-hour time span early Saturday morning.

Police say Gatling first went to a parking lot on Bragg Boulevard and fired shots at patrons outside of a business. One person was hit in the leg and another grazed by a bullet.

Investigators say Gatling next went to B and Link Streets and began firing into a taxicab.

Gatling's last stop, according to police, was East Orange Street where he shot a woman in the leg.

Police say all three people appear to be innocent victims of random acts of violence.

So far, Gatling is only charged in one shooting incident, but police say their investigation continues, and that more charges will be filed.

"We have shell casings from other shootings," said Fayetteville Police Capt. Chuck Hunter. "We have evidence from other crimes that we are investigating the link to see if it is not only just the shooting spree, but also any robberies or incidences in that area that may link him back to that."

One person is accused of helping Gatling avoid arrest. Corienne Whitfield, 21, was charged with harboring or aiding certain persons. Whitfield was processed at the Cumberland County Detention Center and released on an unsecured bond.

Police say they don't have a motive for the shootings.