Eden Walmart Shooting: Tahj Jaquan Thomas Arrested After Gunfire in Parking Lot Leaves Victim Critically Injured
EDEN, N.C. — An investigation into a shooting that began with reports of gunfire in a Walmart parking lot has resulted in the arrest of Tahj Jaquan Thomas, according to the Eden Police Department.
The shooting occurred Thursday evening, August 27, 2026, after officers were dispatched to Walmart following a report of shots fired in the parking lot.
Police respond to Walmart after shots fired
According to the Eden Police Department, officers received the initial call at approximately 6:24 p.m.
Police responded to the Walmart location to investigate reports that shots had been fired in the parking lot.
Just minutes later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers received another emergency call reporting a gunshot victim at UNC Rockingham.
Officers responded to both locations as investigators began working to determine whether the two incidents were connected.
Investigators link two locations
After arriving at the Walmart and UNC Rockingham, officers determined that the incidents were connected.
Investigators were notified and responded to both locations as detectives began gathering evidence and establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities worked to determine what happened at the Walmart parking lot and how the victim subsequently arrived at UNC Rockingham for medical treatment.
The investigation eventually led officers to identify Tahj Jaquan Thomas as a suspect.
Arrest warrant issued
Following what police described as a thorough investigation, authorities consulted with the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Thomas.
Police located and apprehended Thomas without incident on Friday morning, August 28, 2026.
Authorities said there was no reported confrontation during the arrest.
Thomas faces serious felony charge
Thomas has been charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury.
Following his arrest, Thomas was transported to the Rockingham County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
He is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
The court appearance is expected to be an early step in the criminal proceedings against him.
Victim remains critically injured
The victim was transported to an area hospital following the shooting and remains in stable but critical condition, according to police.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity at this time.
Police have also not disclosed additional information about the victim’s injuries or the circumstances that led to the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation.
Investigation remains active
Although an arrest has been made, Eden police emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing.
Detectives continue to examine evidence gathered from the Walmart parking lot and UNC Rockingham while working to establish the full sequence of events.
Authorities have not released a possible motive or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Police said no further information will be released at this time.
Police seek information
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information about what happened to contact law enforcement.
Information can be provided to Lieutenant David Stepps or Detective Brock Fox at 336-623-9755, available 24 hours a day, or 336-623-9240, extension 3255, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
People who wish to remain anonymous can contact Rockingham County Crime Stoppers at 336-349-9683.
Developing case
The shooting prompted an immediate response from Eden police and investigators at two separate locations Thursday evening. Within hours, detectives were able to connect the incidents, identify a suspect and begin the process that led to Thomas’s arrest Friday morning.
The victim’s condition remains a major concern as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened.
Tahj Jaquan Thomas is charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. The charge is an allegation, and Thomas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released by authorities as the case progresses.
