Mark Price
Charlotte Observer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A suspected sniper is taking shots at passing vehicles along an eastern North Carolina highway and it may have been going on for days, witnesses say.
Police in Bailey, 35 miles east of Raleigh, posted a warning to drivers in Wilson County late Wednesday.
“Please be careful if traveling 264 East,” the post said. “There have been reports of vehicles being shot at between mile marker 38-40.”
In an update, investigators said the shooting occurred on U.S. 264 near Sims and the Interstate 95 exit. The department also said it has contacted sheriff’s offices in Nash and Wilson counties about the investigation.
“Even though this occurred in Wilson County, we all work together to keep the public safe,” said the update.
Investigators have not said how many drivers reported vehicle damaged from suspected bullets.
However, multiple people responded to the post with stories of their vehicle being struck by suspected bullets in recent days.
Among them was Hugh Scott II, a principal with the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. He said the warning came too late for him and posted a photo of damage to his vehicle.
“Anyone and everyone please call 911 as soon as possible when this happens but it’s not recommended to stay in the area. Mine happened at 4:54 Tuesday,” he wrote on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/BaileyPolice/posts/1474534226037860?__tn__=-R
Commenters on the police department’s Facebook page say the shootings have gone on for days, including a woman who said her vehicle was hit Thursday of last week.
“We believe our vehicle was shot at Monday afternoon (bullet hole) in the side of vehicle,” Dustin Walston wrote.
“We heard 6 shots and we live right beside 264 at the Bailey 581 exit,” Carly Fulghum posted. “We honestly thought it was something to do with the planes flying around.”