Two shot on front steps of a North Carolina courthouse
NASHVILLE, NC -- The North Carolina Highway Patrol and Nash County authorities are looking for two suspects after two people were shot Tuesday morning at the Nash County courthouse in Nashville just before noon.
Pictures from Chopper 11 showed crime tape up around the entrance to the courthouse and yellow bullet shell casing markers.
A North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter was being used to assist in the search for the suspects in a wooded area off Highway 64. Dogs were also being used.
Nash County Sheriff Dick Jenkins said it appeared the shooters shot the victims on the porch of the courthouse. After the shooting, the one of the victims ran into the lobby of the building where the metal detectors are stationed before EMS arrived.
A spokesperson with Nash General Hospital said the victims are both men. One was shot in the left shoulder. The second was shot in the hand and twice in the leg. Both were flown to Vidant Medical Center in serious condition.
Jenkins said it was not immediately clear if the victims knew their assailants, who possibly left in a white-colored sedan. Jenkins did not immediately have a description of the suspects to give out.
The sheriff asked for the public's assistance with tips and information.
"If you see anything suspicious, let us know," said Sheriff Jenkins.
Click to watch Sheriff Jenkins' interview
As the search continues, the main entrances to the Nash County Administration buildings are locked, therefore no one is being allowed to leave or enter the office buildings. As a precaution, the nearby schools of Nashville Elementary, Nash Central Middle and the W.L. Green Administrative Facility were also locked down.
