RICHMOND — There’s a search for suspects in three separate shootings that left five people hurt, including two kids in Rockingham.
The violence unfolded over the weekend, and neighbors are saying they want more information about what happened.
Rockingham Police say they were asked by the school district to send an officer to the middle school today as a precaution. They say one of the shootings over the weekend involved two young boys.
Crime tape and an SUV riddled with bullet holes were the signs of a shooting on Hunter Circle in Rockingham early Sunday morning.
A neighbor told Channel 9’s Gina Esposito that rounds hit two boys, including a 13-year-old. Police say the injuries don’t appear to be serious.
This shooting was one of three that led Richmond County schools to post a message to parents telling them about the increased law enforcement presence due to “several acts of violence ... involving students from our schools.”
“I pray for these kids all the time—it’s really crazy how the world is now,” neighbor Donna Wilson said.
Wilson lives near Cauthen Drive and wasn’t home when police say shots were fired Sunday morning and hit two adults, but she says her neighbors were there.
Richmond County deputies are also investigating a shooting on Nannie Lane off U.S. Highway 74 where one man was shot and is expected to recover.
These three cases have had parents worried. Not much has been released about the cases or the motives.
“I understand they trying to keep it hush-hush so they can find out more info,” Wilson said, “But still you need to let the people know what’s going on. What’s actually going on.”
Police say they don’t believe the two shootings in the city are connected. If you have any information, you’re asked to call Richmond County Crime Stoppers.
Rockingham Police said they have a suspect in each case, but no arrests have been made yet. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the Nannie Lane shooting.
The Rockingham Police Department posted on Facebook:
“There were a number of violent incidents reported across Richmond County this weekend. We want the public to know that these incidents are a top priority for the Rockingham Police Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our investigative teams have been working closely together since the incidents were reported and are actively following leads in each case. Investigators are making progress toward identifying those responsible and taking appropriate enforcement action.
“We understand the concern these incidents may cause in our community. We remain committed to working together to protect our residents and hold those responsible accountable.
“We encourage anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the Rockingham Police Department or the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.”