A shooting occurred June 15 around 12:40 p.m. at the SureStay Plus Best Western’s parking lot on U.S. Highway 1 in Southern Pines. Multiple shots were fired, leaving two victims injured. Their condition is unknown.
Southern Pines Police Deputy Chief Charles Campbell told Sandhills Sentinel, “There were two gunshot victims who knew each other, and this was not a random act of violence.”
One victim was located in a nearby parking lot. The shooters fled the scene.
“The suspects were last seen traveling south on US Highway 1 in a black in color Acura,” according to a press release from the police department. “No additional information pertaining to this investigation will be released, as this investigation is still ongoing and the release of information could jeopardize the investigative process and future court prosecutions.”
In a June 29 press release, officials with Southern Pines Police Department said two teenagers were arrested, and police are searching for a third suspect. The 14 and 15-year-olds were charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Their identities were not released due to age.
Antonio Hill Jr, 26, of the 500 block of Dry Creek Rd, Candor, is still at large and is wanted on charges of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, felony conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and two counts of felony contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
The area outside the hotel had numerous shell casings scattered. Authorities taped off the area around the hotel and behind Trident Marketing. Law enforcement was working in both areas.
“The Southern Pines Police Department is seeking additional information from the community and would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone who may have information related to this crime to contact the Southern Pines Police Department,” said the police department.”
Information can be provided by calling the Southern Pines Police Department at (910) 692-7031, or the investigation division of the Southern Pines Police Department at (910) 693-1481, or the crime tip line at (910) 693- 4110. All information provided will remain confidential and can be provided anonymously.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
~Article, photos, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Alex Juarez.
