A shooting victim was airlifted Thursday evening in Southern Pines. The shooting occurred at a home on West Iowa Avenue near the intersection with South Gaines Street at approximately 8:20 p.m.
Southern Pines Police were the first to arrive on the scene in the 900 block of Iowa Avenue. The shooter fled the scene before they arrived. Paramedics immediately called for a helicopter upon reaching the shooting victim.
Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots, and it is unknown at this time how many times the victim was shot.
Southern Pines Fire & Rescue set up a landing zone at the Memorial Ball Field in Southern Pines where a UNC helicopter landed and transported the man to a trauma center. Authorities did not release the man’s identity.
At the scene on West Iowa, the home had a heavy police presence, and the driveway and front yard were cordoned off with crime scene tape.
“It is believed the victim and the suspect knew each other, and this incident is not a random act of violence,” said Southern Pines Police.
The police department is searching for suspect Nelson Ismail, 22 years old, 5’9” in height, and weighs 155 pounds, who is known to frequent Moore and Richmond County. “Ismail is a documented gang member who is known to illegally possess a firearm and should be considered armed and dangerous,” said the police.
Nelson Ismail is wanted by the Southern Pines Police Department. Image provided by authorities.
If you have any information on the suspect or their whereabouts, please call the police station at 910-692-7031.
Anonymous information may be left by calling the crime tip line at 910-693-4110.
~Article, photo, and video by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
