News Summary
A tragic shooting incident occurred at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, resulting in one death and one injury. The shooting, which took place in a busy parking lot, prompted an immediate response from emergency services. A 15-year-old boy was critically injured and transported to the hospital. The suspect was apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene, with law enforcement confirming no ongoing threat to the community. Residents and visitors are shaken by this uncommon act of violence in the area known for its safety and tourism.
Kill Devil Hills
A shooting at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, has left one person dead and another injured. The incident took place on Thursday at 2:37 p.m. in the parking lot, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after receiving reports of gunfire, reaching the location within four minutes. Upon arrival, they found a victim who had been shot and killed. Another individual, a 15-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh, was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.
The chaos of the shooting fostered panic among visitors and residents, many of whom reported hearing multiple gunshots. Witnesses played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement by providing detailed descriptions of the shooter and his vehicle, which significantly helped in the swift apprehension of the suspect.
Suspect Apprehended
After fleeing the scene, the suspected shooter was captured by Southern Shores Police approximately eight miles away from the Avalon Fishing Pier. A weapon was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, solidifying the connection between the individual and the shooting incident.
As this case evolves, the identities of both the deceased and injured individuals have yet to be released pending notification of their families. Meanwhile, authorities are diligently investigating the situation with assistance from the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Police have assured the public that there is currently no ongoing threat to safety in the area.
Community Response
This incident has been particularly shocking for the local community, where gun violence is uncommon. Kill Devil Hills Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris commented on the rarity of such violence in the region, noting the unsettling nature of the event. With nearly five decades of law enforcement experience, he highlighted that he has not encountered a situation of this severity before.
Local tourist Lindsay Defelice addressed the shooting’s impact on the perception of safety among vacationers, emphasizing that such incidents are not typical for the area, and reassured visitors not to be afraid. Meanwhile, political figures, including Republican congressional candidate Austin Ayers, expressed their condolences regarding the incident and called for support of the first responders who played critical roles during the chaotic event.
Avalon Fishing Pier as a Local Attraction
The Avalon Fishing Pier, built in 1958, stands as a quintessential site for fishing and leisure along the North Carolina coast. Following the tragedy, the pier was closed for evening activities, marking an end to a day that began like any other for countless beachgoers.
As the investigation continues, residents and tourists alike are reflecting on the day’s events and the impact it has had on the community. The focus now shifts to comprehending the motives behind the shooting and ensuring the safety and security of all who visit this beloved destination.
With the collaboration of various law enforcement agencies, the Kill Devil Hills community is hopeful for swift justice and a return to normalcy in the coming weeks.
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Additional Resources
- Wavy News
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- WRAL News
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills Avalon Fishing Pier shooting
- The Coastland Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- Pilot Online
- Google News: Avalon Fishing Pier shooting
- Hindustan Times
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.
