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Law enforcement continues to search for the suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred at the Safco Distribution Center in Isle of Wight County on Sept. 23.

An Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office news release from Sept. 23 stated that on that afternoon, the Isle of Wight 911 Communications Center was alerted to a shooting at the Safco Distribution Center located in the Shirley T. Holland Industrial Park just outside of the Town of Windsor in Isle of Wight. Personnel from the sheriff’s office along with officers from the Windsor Police Department responded to that location. 

Upon arrival of officers, a man was found to be suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, 26-year-old Rakim Breeden, of Como, North Carolina, was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. While en route to the hospital, Breeden succumbed to his injuries.

The release stated that law enforcement developed a suspect — 23-year-old Preston Kyle Thomas.

Capt. Tommy Potter, public information officer with the sheriff’s office, indicated via email on Nov. 4 that Thomas was still at large.

“We currently have warrants on file for Preston Thomas,” Potter said. 

The day of the shooting, deputies checked Thomas’ last known address in the 300 block of Sanctuary Cove Way in Carrollton. Although they saw a car there that belonged to Thomas that had been seen leaving the scene of the shooting, Thomas was not there.

The Sept. 23 news release stated that the sheriff’s office had a felony warrant for murder on file and that additional charges were expected. The release noted Thomas is to be considered armed and dangerous. 

“He is considered a fugitive from justice,” Potter said Nov. 4. “We are utilizing all resources at our disposal to locate Thomas. As always, anyone with information as to his location is encouraged to reach out to the Crime Line or their local law enforcement agency.”

The Sept. 23 release concluded by stating that anyone with information concerning the location of Thomas is asked to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit an online tip at the P3 mobile tip app or at P3tips.com by searching for the Isle of Wight/Smithfield/Windsor Crime Line. All tips remain confidential, and callers are never asked to reveal their name or identity. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of Thomas could earn the tipster an award of as much as $1,000.