AHOSKIE – A suspect with a past criminal history has been developed in a shooting here early Tuesday afternoon that left one man hospitalized and three local schools placed on lockdown.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald that 35-year-old Terrence Devonne Faison allegedly shot a juvenile male at Pinegate Apartments, located off First Street.

“We consider Mr. Faison as armed and dangerous and warn the public not to approach him, but rather call us immediately (252-332-5012) if you are aware of his whereabouts,” Fitzhugh said.

Faison, who served nine years and two months (released in October of 2004) for second degree murder in Hertford County is described as a black male, standing 5’-8” and weighing approximately 265 pounds. He is believed to be armed with a small silver handgun, possibly a revolver. Faison was last seen wearing blue pants and a white shirt and is known to frequent Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and Richmond, VA.

Since his release from prison, Faison has been charged with two misdemeanors – resisting an officer and violating a protective order, both occurring in 2005.

“While the investigators were out at the crime scene, I was able to contact and receive help from the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Murfreesboro Police Department, Chowan University, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for assistance,” Fitzhugh said. “I also contacted each school within our town and secured each school for precautionary measures. After securing each school, officers remained until the area was secure and the children were released from school.”

Ahoskie Elementary School, located across the street from the scene of the shooting, along with Hertford County High School and Bearfield Primary School were placed on lockdown as of 1:35 p.m.

“All three campuses were on lockdown very quickly after the shooting was reported to us,” HCPS Security Director Curtis Freeman said. “We remained on lockdown until classes ended. Then, to add to the element of safety, law enforcement personnel from the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and Ahoskie Police Department came to the three campuses to ensure the safety of the children as they boarded their buses or were being picked-up by their parents.”

Freeman added that all protocol was followed by school administrators and staff.

“They all did a good job in securing their respective campuses,” he said. “At the time of the lockdown no one was sure in which direction the shooter was heading. All three schools, especially Ahoskie Elementary which is right across the street from the apartments where the victim was shot, are within walking distance of each other.”

The shooting victim, whose name was not released, was transported to Vidant-Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. He was later airlifted to a hospital in the region.

Ahoskie Police Lt. Detective Jeremy Roberts is leading the investigation and is currently in the process of obtaining arrest warrants for Faison. Those with information can also use the town’s website (look for the TIPS section) at www.ahoskiepd.com.