RICH SQUARE – A local teen remains hospitalized after a drive-by shooting here Sunday morning.

Rich Square Police Chief Bo Roye said his office received a call at 1 a.m. on July 7 in reference to a person shot and taken to a residence on Roberts Road. Roye said once officers arrived, they learned that an 18-year-old female had suffered a gunshot wound to her side.

The victim, who Roye opted not to identify due to security reasons, was airlifted by EastCare from the scene and taken to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville where she underwent emergency surgery. She remains there in stable condition.

Just prior to the shooting, Roye said the victim had left a convenience store located at the corner of Bryantown Road and Main Street and walked across the street to speak to some friends.

“At that time two vehicles passed by where the victim and four others were standing and shots were fired,” Roye said.

He said one vehicle was a dark colored Ford Expedition and the other was a silver or gray compact car (unknown make and model). Roye added that it’s not known at this time if the shots were fired from both vehicles.

None of the other four individuals were struck during the gunfire.

The North Carolina SBI is assisting the Rich Square Police with the investigation.

“We’re working this case hard; we feel we’ve made some progress thus far into the investigation,” Roye stated.

Those with information can contact the Rich Square Police at 252-574-1042, Northampton County Crimestoppers at 252-534-1110, or the SBI at 919-662-4500.