ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Three teenagers were injured after they were shot in Elizabeth City, according to police.
Police say around 3:47 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, officers responded to the 300 block of Speed Street in reference to shots fired with injuries.
When officers arrived, they found three teens, two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, who had been shot.
Police say all three victims were transported to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center for their injuries, but one of the 16-year-olds had to be transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for serious injuries.
The other two teens are listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Elizabeth City police.
Hours after the shooting, we went to Speed Street and spoke with a resident who called the area where the shooting occurred a "danger zone."
"They got young kids scared to come outside. They used to play in [a nearby] field. Now, their parents have to be outside to watch over them," he said.
The recent triple shooting isn't the first shooting involving children on Speed Street this year: In April, an 8-year-old and 17-year-old were hospitalized after being shot in the area of the street.
Elizabeth City Mayor Kirk Rivers says teens having easy access to guns is contributing to gun violence.
"Young people, they can get guns with no problem. All they need to have is the money and within time, they have access to a gun. That’s a problem that we have and we’re going to deal with it," said Mayor Rivers.
Mayor Rivers says on Friday, the city and the police department plan to hold a press conference to address youth crime. He hopes parents will tune in and take action.
"You’re going to have to be accountable for your child," said Mayor Rivers.
There is no suspect information at this time.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to call the Elizabeth City Police Department at 252-335-4321 or the Crime Line at 252-335-5555.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
