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AHOSKIE – Two local teens were shot within minutes of each other here last night (Saturday) and the police are searching for a suspect or suspects.

Ahoskie Police Chief Jimmy Asbell said his detectives are currently investigating the shootings.

The first happened around 8:19 p.m. at which time the Ahoskie Police Department received a call regarding shots being fired in the 900 block of East First Street. When officers arrived on scene, they found Zamari Bunch, 18, of Ahoskie, suffering from a gunshot wound.

While on scene and rendering aid to Bunch, officers received a second call regarding a 16-year-old male juvenile that was shot and he was at a residence on Hill Street several blocks away. Officers went to Hill Street and found the juvenile also suffering from a gunshot wound.

Asbell said both victims were transported to the hospital. He stated that the juvenile was treated and released while Bunch remains hospitalized.

“We believe the shootings are connected,” Asbell told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald.

Anyone with information regarding these shootings is asked to call the Ahoskie Police Department at 252-332-5011.

Asbell thanked the NC State Bureau of Investigation, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Hertford County EMS, and the Ahoskie Fire Department for their quick response and assistance.

The Police Chief also encouraged community leaders to partner together in an effort to curb the rash of gun violence.

“With the rise of violent crime, particularly gun violence among young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21, in our county, our neighboring counties, our state and our nation, we have to come together as a community to help stop the violence by reaching out to our local community partners and faith community to try to reach these young people before their conduct rises to the level whereby these types of crimes are committed,” Asbell stated. “Although the Ahoskie Police Department is working diligently and around the clock to solve these crimes and hold the people who committed these crimes accountable for these shootings, we are asking that the community cooperate and give any information they can to aid in the investigation.”