A shooting at a popular fishing pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, has left the small beach town shaken. A 16-year-old, Henry Lee Hargis, is accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old Zane Hughes and injuring a 15-year-old boy at the Avalon Fishing Pier on Thursday afternoon.
The Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Avalon Fishing Pier, which was crowded with visitors. According to witnesses, chaos ensued when the shots rang out.
“As soon as I saw them scrambling, running, and jumping off the pier, I knew it was a gun,” said Justin Smiley, a man who was at the beach at the time, to NBC affiliate WAVY.
Hargis, a local from Kill Devil Hills, allegedly shot and killed Hughes in the parking lot of the pier. A 15-year-old boy, who was also in the area, was shot in the leg by a ricocheted bullet. The victim was airlifted to a hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, where he is expected to recover.
However, according to a GoFundMe set up for the injured boy, the bullet will remain in his leg permanently due to its proximity to his femoral artery.
Hargis Arrested After the Incident
After the shooting, Hargis fled the scene, but within 45 minutes, police had identified him as the suspect and located his car. Officers pulled him over and detained him. He has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
The police have confirmed that the shooting was “isolated and targeted” but have yet to clarify the motive behind the crime. Both Hargis and the victim, Hughes, were from the area, but it remains unclear what led to the altercation.
The Avalon Pier later clarified that the shooting occurred as one of the individuals involved was leaving the beach, and the 15-year-old was hit by a ricocheted bullet.
Investigation and Community Impact
The police department has launched an ongoing investigation into the shooting, with officials emphasizing the importance of a thorough and careful inquiry.
“Our detectives are processing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working closely with partnering agencies to understand exactly what happened and why,” said Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris.
The shooting has deeply affected the local community. The Avalon Pier posted on social media, expressing that the shooting was the result of a feud between two young individuals, leaving the community to reflect on the tragedy.
Legal Proceedings
Hargis is currently being held at a nearby juvenile detention center without bond. He has a probable cause hearing scheduled for next Tuesday, where more details about the case may emerge.
