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WINDSOR – Two shootings over a span of three days, one that left a victim in critical condition, remain under investigation by the Bertie Sheriff’s Office.

Bertie Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said the first shooting occurred on Easter Sunday (March 31) where deputies were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the area of 3932 Governors Road near Lewiston Woodville in reference to a report of a person found lying In the roadway that had possibly been shot.

Upon arrival, deputies found 22-year-old Alllterrlck Harrell suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.

Through the initial investigation, Ruffin said deputies, spoke with multiple individuals who were surrounding the victim upon their arrival and there was no one who witnessed what happened.

Ruffin said that Harrell, as of Wednesday night, remains hospitalized in critical condition. He added that detectives with the BCSO Investigative Division are still working the case.

The second shooting was reported at 7:01 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 in the area of Sycamore Street and Main Street in Aulander. Ruffin said his office received reports of multiple shots being fired and that a person had been struck.

While en route to the scene, deputies were advised of a description of the suspect’s vehicle and that it was last seen headed towards Northampton County.

Shortly afterwards, deputies were informed that ECU Heath Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie had called in reference to a person at their facility who had been shot in the head. That individual, a 15-year-old, is expected to recover.

“Through the initial investigation of the Tuesday shooting in Aulander, it is believed that this is a possible retaliation shooting that occurred in another county,” Ruffin said.

Ruffin added that further investigation indicated another vehicle involved in this incident was located by Ahoskie Police Department and the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office. That vehicle is believed to have transported the shooting victim to the hospital.

Investigators with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office went to the location where that vehicle was stopped. A search of the vehicle was conducted at which time investigators located two guns and marijuana.

Ruffin said the two occupants in the vehicle were 15 and 16 years old.

“Several years ago it was very rare to hear of a shooting in small rural areas such as ours and one would have never heard of a 15-year-old having possession of a firearm,” Ruffin said.

“Even though we hear of violence all around us, I still have hope that things will get better,” Ruffin continued. “In order for things to get better, it’s going to take more than law enforcement officers to get involved. It will take our churches, parents, elected officials, civic organizations, and groups and most importantly the community. I do appreciate and thank the citizens of Bertie County that have been calling and providing tips and leads.

“Since I’ve come into office, one of my number one priorities has been to build relationships with the community. The brave men and women of the Bertie County Sheriffs Office are dedicated to serving the citizens of Bertie County and anyone who passes through, but we need the communities help to aide in making our county a safer place to live, work, and worship,” Ruffin concluded.

To report information regarding these cases, call the Bertie Sheriff’s Office at 252-794-5330.