AHOSKIE – An Ahoskie Police Department investigation continues following a pair of shootings that occurred in town late Monday evening.

According to Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh at approximately 6:59 p.m. Monday two men working inside an empty store, which is part of a commercial duplex, located at 511 East Main St. were first approached and then accosted by three armed men who demanded their wallets.   Meanwhile, the commotion attracted the attention of the owner of the adjoining business, Tobacco Plus located next to the vacant store, and he approached the trio, at which time an exchange of gunfire took place.  However, no one was struck and the three suspects fled on foot.

After checking that there were no immediate injuries, a 9-1-1 call brought police to the scene, including a K-9 unit, and the officers began tracking the suspects.

Nearly 40 minutes into their investigation, according to the Chief, at approximately 7:39 p.m. there was a second shooting in the 500 block of McGlohon Street, near Richard Street.

Officers investigating the Main Street robbery heard gunfire and radioed other officers who responded to the scene where they found two persons that had been struck by gunfire.  One of the shooting victims was treated at Vidant Roanoke-ChowanHospital and released.  The other victim had to be airlifted by EastCare helicopter to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville where he underwent surgery for his wounds.  Fitzhugh said as of Wednesday he had no update on the second shooting victim’s condition.

Fitzhugh said an investigation into both incidents continues, and he would not speculate if the two are related as the department continues to search for the suspects in both shootings. The Chief also revealed that the K-9 officer did find some evidentiary items, but Fitzhugh would not elaborate on the discovery’s relation to the investigation.

Anyone who may have information on either of these incidents is asked to call Lt. Jeremy Roberts at the Ahoskie Police Department at 252-332-5012.  Tips may also be phoned in to the Crime Line at 252-332-4066 or be left at the APD website:  ahoskiepd.com.

“We appreciate the information we’ve received,” the Chief said. “We continue to ask anyone with further information to contact Lt. Roberts.  We want to hold everyone who’s responsible accountable.”