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SCOTLAND NECK – A teen from Rich Square was one of two juveniles taken into custody by the Scotland Neck Police Department following the recovery of two firearms here Monday evening.

In a statement on their Facebook page, Scotland Neck Police said state law requires the juveniles to be released to their guardians.

“Our department will seek juvenile petitions on these suspects for going armed to the terror of the public, possession of a firearm by a minor, carrying concealed, tampering with evidence, and for fleeing arrest,” the Scotland Neck Police stated on Facebook.

Just before 5 p.m. Monday, police received a call about armed subjects in the area of Shiloh Baptist Church on Roanoke Street. Officers observed suspicious activity in the area of East 12th and Roanoke Street. One of the juveniles (age 17 from Rich Square) was observed running with an AR style rifle. The second juvenile (age 17 from Princeville) was observed running with a handgun.

The youths fled, prompting a foot pursuit by several officers and a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office investigator.

After a brief chase, the two suspects were apprehended.

Officers found a firearm in one juvenile’s possession and one additional firearm was recovered in the path of the foot pursuit.

More charges are pending.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office provided multiple units to assist Scotland Neck Police Department.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

“It is extremely disappointing that some of the parents and adults in the area know what is going on with their teens and know that these youths are walking around town with guns and terrorizing the community. We will continue to do what we can, but it takes all of us working together to save lives and make this community safer,” Scotland Neck Police stated on Facebook.