PLYMOUTH — A 16-year-old boy died early Thursday after being shot in Plymouth, authorities said, hours after tensions earlier in the day led to a lockdown at a local high school and the closure of schools across the county.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers with the Plymouth Police Department responded around 1 a.m. March 12 to a report of shots fired in the 1100 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Plymouth.
When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old suffering from two gunshot wounds. The teen was transported to Washington County Regional Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not released the victim’s name.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 252-793-2422.
The shooting occurred hours after an incident earlier Wednesday at Washington County High School that prompted a soft lockdown at the campus and the cancellation of classes Thursday across Washington County Schools. More details about that incident can be found in the Observer’s earlier report.
A soft lockdown is a precautionary, exterior-focused school safety procedure activated when there is a potential, non-imminent threat nearby, such as police activity or a suspect in the neighborhood. Unlike a hard lockdown, classes continue normally inside. Exterior doors are locked, no one may enter or leave, and outdoor activities are canceled.
Plymouth Town Council member John Shelton said the community is grieving the loss of a young life.
“My heart is heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of a young life in our community,” Shelton said in a statement. “A teenager’s life was taken far too soon, and no outcome of any investigation will ever change that reality.”
Shelton extended condolences to the victim’s family as well as to classmates, teachers and friends affected by the loss. He also thanked law enforcement agencies for working together on the investigation.
“This has been a painful and violent week for our community,” Shelton said. “I ask everyone to join in prayer for peace, comfort for those who are hurting, and healing for our town.”
Shelton said he hopes schools can return to a sense of normalcy Monday while the community continues to support those affected by the tragedy.
