NORTH CAROLINA — An underage teenager has been charged after a shooting in Lenoir County left a 19-year-old man seriously injured, according to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded Friday to the 700 block of Williams Loop Road following reports of a shooting.
Investigators said 19-year-old E.J. Smith was found suffering from gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen. He was taken by EMS to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for treatment.
Authorities said the suspects fled the scene before deputies arrived.
During a K-9 search of the area, deputies recovered an AR-style rifle believed to be connected to the shooting.
Through the investigation, detectives identified one of the people involved as a 17-year-old juvenile. Officials said the teen admitted to being at the scene and told investigators he was involved in a struggle with Smith over the firearm when it discharged.
The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with attempted first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon and larceny of a firearm. He was placed in secure custody.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify and locate other individuals who were present during the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office at 252-559-6100 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Anonymous tips are accepted.
