Suspect at large after Taylortown shooting

A suspect is at large after a shooting in Taylortown on early Sunday morning.

Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said deputies responded to the shooting in the 1200 block of Juniper Lake Road shortly after 1:30 a.m.

“Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, a 26-year-old male, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the lower leg,” said Fields in a news release on Tuesday. “The victim was transported to Moore Regional Hospital for treatment.”

Arrest warrants were issued for Dectrek Barrett.

“Barrett reportedly fled the scene upon deputies’ arrival and remains at large,” said Fields. “A search was conducted, but the suspect was not immediately located.”

Fields said this was not a random act of violence; the suspect and victim knew each other.

Taylortown police requested the sheriff’s office to take over the investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dectrek Barrett is requested to contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at 910-947-2931 or the anonymous tip line at 910-947-4444.

Feature photo: Authorities are searching for Dectrek Barrett after a shooting in Taylortown on Sept. 1/Photo of Barrett via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.