Wilmington Man Charged for Shooting Into House with Children

65-year-old John Catalano arrested after allegedly firing into occupied home

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:04pm

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A 65-year-old man from Leland, North Carolina has been arrested and charged with a felony count of discharging a weapon into an occupied property after he allegedly shot into a house in Wilmington that contained a woman and several children inside.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving children is an especially troubling and high-profile issue in the Wilmington area, which has seen a rise in firearm-related incidents in recent years. This case highlights the need for improved community safety measures and mental health resources to prevent such dangerous acts.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Friday in the 700 block of South 10th Street in Wilmington. Authorities say John Catalano, a 65-year-old resident of Leland, fired his S&W Shield .45 handgun into the occupied home. No injuries were reported, but the shooting put the woman and children inside at serious risk.

  • The incident happened around 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2026.
  • Catalano is expected to appear in court on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

John Catalano

A 65-year-old resident of Leland, North Carolina who has been charged with a felony count of discharging a weapon into an occupied property.

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What’s next

Catalano is being held without bond and is expected to appear in court on Monday, where a judge will determine if he will be released on bail pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for improved community safety measures, mental health resources, and stricter gun control policies in the Wilmington area to prevent such reckless and dangerous acts of violence that put innocent lives at risk.