On July 16, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Surf City Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Food Lion parking lot located at 13601 N.C. Highway 50. Upon arrival, officers discovered 38-year-old Cory Eugene Mehringer of Hampstead, North Carolina, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Emergency medical services, including the Surf City Fire Department and Pender County EMS, provided immediate treatment; however, Mehringer did not survive his injuries.
Law enforcement officials secured the area and recovered the firearm at the scene. Preliminary assessments indicated that the incident was isolated, with no immediate threat to public safety. The Surf City Police Department initiated a death investigation to confirm the circumstances surrounding Mehringer's death.
As of the latest available information, authorities have not reported any arrests or identified any suspects related to this case. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released to the public. Individuals seeking more information or wishing to provide tips are encouraged to contact the Surf City Police Department directly.
