DOBBINS HEIGHTS — A man was shot late Thursday morning leading a local school to shelter in place.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and officers with the Hamlet Police Department were dispatched to an address on Earl Franklin Drive around 11:20 a.m. in reference to “to someone possibly being shot.”
The first deputy on scene reportedly found a male in the backyard of the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
The unnamed victim was alert and treated by Hamlet Fire and Rescue before being flown to an undisclosed trauma center, according to the sheriff’s office.
Witnesses reportedly described the suspect as a black male driving a white or gray SUV.
Any other witnesses or people with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454 or call 911 to be transferred to an investigator.
Shortly after the shooting, students at Monroe Avenue Elementary sheltered in place for about 20 minutes, according to Richmond County Schools Public Information Officer Kylie McDonald.
This was the second consecutive day the school was disrupted due to violence, as shots were fired about two blocks away on Wednesday.
The Hamlet Police Department is investigating that case.
Investigators are not yet sure if the two incidents are connected.
