ELIZABETH CITY, NC – An eight-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were injured in a shooting on Speed Street near Madrin Street in Elizabeth City on Monday evening.
The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. and marks the fifth shooting involving children in the city since February 8th. According to Interim Police Chief Phillip Webster, an undetermined number of people were exchanging gunfire when the two victims, who were outside at the time, were hit by the stray bullets.
The child was wounded in his arm, while the teenager was shot in the leg.
Both victims have since been released from the hospital. Chief Webster expressed concern over underage individuals getting access to firearms and using them against each other. He also pointed out that raising the age of criminal suspects being automatically charged as adults from 16 to 18 years old has not helped law enforcement and has been a significant challenge.
Elizabeth City police are seeking information on possible suspects and urge anyone with information about the shooting to call (252) 335-4321 or the Crime Line at (252) 335-5555.