ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — A juvenile was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following a shooting that occurred during a private event at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center on Saturday evening, Nov. 1, 2025.
According to the Elizabeth City Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 200 block of Ward Street at approximately 8:04 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound.
Police officers and other first responders immediately performed life-saving measures at the scene until emergency medical services arrived, according to a statement. The victim was initially transported to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City before being taken to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Authorities confirmed that the juvenile sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Incident Occurred During Private Rental Event
In a public statement released Sunday, Elizabeth City – Pasquotank County Parks & Recreation clarified that the shooting took place during a privately scheduled rental at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center and was not associated with any public programming or youth activities.
“This incident was isolated to a private event and not a public program,” the Parks & Recreation statement emphasized. Officials stressed that the incident did not involve their after-school program and occurred outside of regular youth activities.
The facility was secured quickly following the incident, emergency protocols were implemented, and law enforcement responded immediately, according to Parks & Recreation officials.
Parks & Recreation leadership sought to reassure community members that their facilities remain safe environments for families and youth.
“We want to assure all parents that this incident did not involve our after-school program,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our children remain our top priority.”
The after-school program will continue as scheduled, with reinforced safety protocols in place to maintain a secure environment for participants.
In coordination with local law enforcement, Parks & Recreation officials are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the private rental to determine whether additional safety measures are necessary.
Parks & Recreation officials expressed gratitude for the swift response of first responders and the cooperation of community members during and after the incident.
“We appreciate the swift response of first responders and the cooperation of our community during and after this event,” the statement noted. “We will continue to prioritize safety so that all patrons feel confident and welcome in our spaces.”
Active Investigation Underway
The Elizabeth City Police Department continues to actively investigate the shooting. Chief of Police Eddie Graham is strongly encouraging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through multiple channels:
- Elizabeth City Police Department: (252) 335-4321
- Crime Line: (252) 335-5555
- FUSUS Text-a-Tip: (252) 390-8477
All tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, according to police.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.
