At least five people were killed in a mass shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon.
According to the preliminary reports, a suspect aged between 13 and 16 camouflaged himself and waited in ambush before opening fire at Neuse River Greenway near Bay Harbor Drive and Osprey Cove Drive in the east of the city.
Using what was described as a long gun, the teenager shot dead at least five people including an off-duty cop before going on a run and barricading himself in a nearby barn.
An additional four people have been severely injured in the shooting and are currently fighting for their lives.
While the suspect remained at large, residents were urged to shelter in place and let the police handle the situation.
According to the reports, the police tracked the multiple murder suspect to a barn where the boy was “contained” some two hours after killing at least five people and injuring several more, local media reported at 8 pm local time.
Adding to the confusion, Raleigh Police insisted no suspect was in custody “at this time” just minutes after the news of the suspect’s alleged capture was announced.
“This remains an active investigation. No suspects are in custody at this time. Residents in the affected area are advised to remain in their homes until further notice,” the police force tweeted at 8.27 pm.
Clearing the doubts, the mayor eventually confirmed that the gunman was “contained.” She did not, however, say whether he was in custody.
“It’s a tragic day, because Raleigh police has lost one of its own,” Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said in a press conference after the massacre.
“We must stop this mindless violence in America. We must address gun violence. We have much to do, and tonight we have much to mourn.”
Our hearts go out to the victims of the senseless shooting and their families.
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