News Summary
A shooting at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills resulted in one death and one serious injury on the afternoon of July 31, 2025. Law enforcement swiftly responded to reports of gunfire, finding one victim deceased and a teenager critically injured. The suspect fled but was later apprehended with a weapon in possession. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, raising concerns about safety in the area. The police characterized the incident as isolated and are investigating the motive.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – One person is dead and another seriously injured following a shooting incident that took place on the afternoon of July 31, 2025, at the Avalon Fishing Pier. The shooting, which erupted in the parking lot, prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies in the area.
Kill Devil Hills police received several reports of gunfire at 2:37 PM. Officers arrived on the scene within four minutes to find one individual deceased and another suffering from life-threatening injuries. The injured person, identified as a teenager, was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where they were reported to be in critical condition after being shot in the thigh.
Witnesses at the pier described scenes of chaos as they heard gunshots and observed people running away in panic. Many bystanders expressed shock at the violence, noting that such incidents are unexpected in the generally peaceful coastal community.
Law enforcement confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before police arrived but was later apprehended by Southern Shores Police. Descriptions of the suspect provided by witness accounts were instrumental in facilitating a quick capture. During the arrest, authorities recovered a weapon believed to be used in the shooting.
According to police officials, there is currently no threat to public safety. Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris characterized the event as an “isolated incident” and noted that in his 48 years of law enforcement experience, he had never encountered a situation like this one.
Both the victims’ and the suspect’s identities have been withheld pending notification of next of kin. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation as authorities work to determine the motive behind the shooting.
In the wake of this tragedy, a candidate for local congressional office expressed condolences and prayers for those affected in this tragic event. The shooting has raised alarms among residents and tourists alike, with many emphasizing the need for increased safety and security in the area.
The Avalon Fishing Pier, a popular destination for locals and visitors, is now the focus of an extensive police investigation, as officials seek to understand the circumstances that led to the outbreak of violence in what is typically a family-friendly environment.
As the community comes to terms with the shock of such a violent act, law enforcement continues to encourage anyone with additional information related to the shooting to come forward, urging vigilance and support for their initiatives aimed at preventing future incidents.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY News
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- WRAL News
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- The Coastland Times
- Google News: Avalon Fishing Pier
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.
