News Summary
A shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, NC, resulted in one fatality and left another person critically injured. The incident occurred in the afternoon, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as gunshots rang out, but officials have assured the community that there is no ongoing threat. The investigation is ongoing as police work to uncover the details surrounding this tragic event.
Kill Devil Hills, NC – Tragic Shooting Claims Life and Injures Another
One person was killed and another critically injured in a shooting that took place on Thursday afternoon at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The incident unfolded shortly after 2:30 p.m. in the pier’s parking lot, sending shockwaves through the community known for its tourist-friendly environment.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department received the emergency call and responded to the scene within four minutes. Upon arrival, officers found one victim deceased at the scene, while a 15-year-old boy, who suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. His current condition is reported as critical.
The suspect in the shooting fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter in Southern Shores, thanks in part to descriptions provided by eyewitnesses. These witnesses reported hearing approximately five gunshots and described chaotic scenes as individuals scrambled away from the pier in panic.
Police Response and Investigation
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, joined the Kill Devil Hills Police in response to this tragic event. The prompt and organized police response involved a significant presence at the pier for several hours as the investigation unfolded.
Local officials confirmed that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, assuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety in the area. The names of the victims have not yet been released as authorities are in the process of notifying family members.
Community Reaction
Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris expressed deep concern over this incident, highlighting it as one of the most distressing events he has encountered in his 48 years of service. Community leaders and local political figures have reached out to extend their condolences and have emphasized the importance of supporting first responders who were on the scene during this traumatic event.
Eyewitness accounts have painted a vivid picture of the chaos resulting from the shooting. Several individuals, including tourists, expressed their shock, noting that such violence is not typical for the area. In the aftermath of the shooting, beach access to the vicinity of the pier was closed to the public as a precautionary measure.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials have indicated that they will provide more information as it becomes available, urging the community to remain calm while assuring them of their safety. Residents and visitors alike are grappling with the reality of the incident as the community mourns the loss of life and supports those affected.
This unfortunate event highlights the ongoing concerns about gun violence in communities across the nation and the impact such incidents can have on local safety and tourism.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- Wavy News
- WTKR News
- 13 News Now
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Google Scholar: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kill Devil Hills
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills shooting
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
