News Summary
A 16-year-old has been arrested following a shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, resulting in one death and another injured. The incident, occurring during fishing hours, has shocked the community as police work to determine the motive and ensure safety. The arrested suspect, Henry Lee Hargis, faces serious charges while authorities confirm there is no ongoing threat to local residents.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina — A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested following a shooting incident at Avalon Fishing Pier that resulted in the death of one individual and left another injured. The shootings took place around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, prompting a swift police response.
Officers from the Kill Devil Hills Police Department arrived on the scene within four minutes of the emergency call. The victim, 19-year-old Zane Hughes from Colington, North Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a 15-year-old male from Pennsylvania, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg while fishing and was subsequently airlifted to Norfolk, Virginia. He has since returned to the pier on crutches to continue his fishing activities.
The arrested suspect, identified as Henry Lee Hargis, also a resident of Kill Devil Hills, was apprehended around 3:20 p.m. during a traffic stop. Hargis is charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. Due to his juvenile status, he is being held in a detention facility.
During the arrest, a weapon was recovered from Hargis’s vehicle, which may play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. Police are currently focusing on determining the motive behind the shootings, which occurred in the parking lot of the pier. Eyewitnesses provided descriptions of the shooter, helping officials apprehend Hargis in a timely manner.
The police department has reassured the public that this incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat to community safety. Local officials have emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, underlining that it may take time to process evidence and interview witnesses. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Dare County EMS, are assisting in this investigation.
The community is still coming to terms with the aftermath of the shooting, described by some sources as a conflict between teenagers, which resulted in one victim being an innocent bystander. Avalon Pier is recognized as a family-friendly attraction, offering amenities such as an arcade, beach bar, and snack shack, making this incident particularly shocking for local residents and visitors.
As the investigation continues, the parking lot where the incident occurred remains closed to the public. Authorities are committed to ensuring that all relevant facts are uncovered. The community, although shaken, is being urged to remain calm, as officials work diligently to resolve this tragic event.
This shooting marks a significant event in the normally peaceful environment of Avalon Fishing Pier, drawing attention to issues related to gun violence among youth and the potential for further community discussions on safety and security in public spaces.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Shooting Incident at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead and Another Critical
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Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
Tragic Shooting in Kill Devil Hills Claims One Life
Shooting Incident at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead
Additional Resources
- WAVY: Kill Devil Hills Community Still Shaken After Fatal Shooting
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WTKR: Teen Seriously Hurt After Getting Shot at Avalon Fishing Pier
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Hindustan Times: Kill Devil Hills Shooting Reports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- The Coastland Times: One Dead, One Airlifted in Shooting at Avalon Pier
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills
- 13 News Now: Avalon Pier Shooting Investigated
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.
