By the Albemarle Observer

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth police are investigating a series of shootings into occupied homes on Pamela and Linden streets that endangered several families over a two-day period this week.

No injuries were reported, but investigators believe the shootings may be connected and are examining whether the incidents were targeted acts of violence that could lead to further retaliation.

According to a press release from the Plymouth Police Department, officers responded to several reports of gunfire Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 8. One residence on Linden Street was struck by gunfire twice within approximately 22 hours.

At one home, investigators recovered more than 20 spent .223-caliber shell casings. The residence was occupied by two adults and six children, ages 3 to 17.

“The recent shootings in our community are extremely concerning, and I fully understand the fear and frustration being experienced by residents, particularly those living in the affected neighborhoods,” Police Chief Louis Banks said in a statement. “What concerns me most is that innocent people, including young children, are being placed in danger by individuals who have absolutely no regard for human life. We are extremely fortunate that no one was injured or killed during these incidents.”

The first reported shooting occurred shortly after midnight Wednesday.

At approximately 12:16 a.m., officers responded to 125 Pamela St. after receiving a report that shots had been fired into a residence. Investigators determined that the occupied home had been struck by multiple rounds.

About 25 minutes later, at 12:41 a.m., police responded to another report of gunfire in the Linden Street area. Officers searched the neighborhood but initially found no evidence related to that report.

Later that morning, at approximately 9:13 a.m., residents of 103 Linden St. reported that their home had been struck by gunfire overnight.

Banks responded to the residence and determined that the shooting had occurred sometime between midnight and 1 a.m.

Residents told police they heard multiple gunshots and bullets striking their home but did not contact authorities until later that morning.

Investigators found multiple bullet holes in the upper portion of the house. Banks recovered more than 20 spent .223-caliber shell casings from the surrounding area.

Six children and two adults were inside the home when the shooting occurred.

The violence continued Wednesday evening.

At approximately 10:03 p.m., officers were dispatched to Golf Road after a resident reported seeing eight to 10 people wearing dark clothing walking in the area. The caller expressed concern because of the recent shootings.

While responding, Detective Mika Martinez heard multiple gunshots.

Police subsequently received another report that the residence at 103 Linden St. had been struck by gunfire again.

Martinez confirmed that multiple rounds had hit the home. Unlike the earlier shooting, which primarily damaged the upper portion of the structure, the second shooting left multiple bullet strikes in the lower portion of the residence.

Investigators recovered additional spent shell casings.

The following morning, Thursday, Oct. 8, officers responded to 105 Linden St. at approximately 7:29 a.m. after residents discovered that their home had also been struck by gunfire.

Banks determined that the damage occurred during the previous evening’s shooting at approximately 10:03 p.m.

Four people were inside that residence at the time, including two 73-year-old residents, their 56-year-old daughter and their 11-year-old great-granddaughter.

Despite the repeated gunfire into occupied homes, police reported no injuries.

Investigators are working to determine whether the shootings on Pamela and Linden streets are connected and whether the homes were deliberately targeted.

Banks warned that personal disputes and retaliation could put additional residents in danger.

“Our investigation has revealed information suggesting that the shootings on Pamela Street and Linden Street may be connected. We are also concerned about the possibility of retaliatory violence,” Banks said.

“I want to make something very clear: Disagreements and personal conflicts do not justify gun violence. When individuals choose to settle disputes by firing weapons into occupied homes, they are putting entire families and neighborhoods at risk.”

The police chief also acknowledged that some residents may be hesitant to share information with investigators.

“We also recognize that some individuals may be reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement. However, refusing to provide information while allowing these disputes to continue only increases the likelihood that someone, including an innocent child or bystander, will eventually be seriously injured or killed,” Banks said.

The shootings have raised concerns about public safety in Plymouth, where town officials enacted a juvenile curfew Thursday amid reports of repeated gunfire.

The town also postponed Friday night’s Washington County High School homecoming football game and parade out of an abundance of caution.

The police department has not announced any arrests in connection with the shootings described in its release.

Banks said the department will continue investigating the shootings and pursuing criminal charges against those responsible.

“As Chief of Police, I take these incidents very seriously. The residents of Plymouth deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Our department will continue working to identify those responsible and pursue appropriate criminal charges,” Banks said.

“I am asking our community to stand with us. If you have information about these shootings, please come forward. We cannot allow fear, intimidation, or retaliation to dictate the safety of our community.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity, saw unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the affected neighborhoods, or has surveillance video, photographs or other potentially relevant evidence to contact investigators.

Residents are also urged to remain vigilant, avoid confronting anyone suspected of involvement and refrain from attempting to resolve disputes through retaliation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Plymouth Police Department at (252) 793-4680. Emergencies and immediate threats to public safety should be reported by calling 911.

The investigations remain active, and police said additional information will be released when appropriate.