Eleven ‘violent gun crimes’ in two North Carolina counties are related, ATF says

Eleven “violent gun crimes” carried out over a two-week period in southeastern North Carolina are likely gang related, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Shots have been fired into multiple homes, and one incident claimed the life of “an innocent bystander,” the ATF said in a June 2 news release.

“Since February Duplin and County and Sampson County have had a rash of shootings that law enforcement agencies believe to be gang related. Since May 16, there have been 11 shooting incidents reported within the two counties,” the ATF said.

The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office reports shooters have targeted homes in Warsaw, Wallace and Beulaville, including incidents that occurred at 2 a.m. on May 16 and May 17.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest, federal officials said.

“This level of violence is escalating, and we’re at a critical point where we need to find those responsible,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones said in the news release.

“We hope that by offering this reward, someone will decide to do the right thing and share with us information that could help stop this cycle of violence.”

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to contact the ATF at 1-888-283-8477 or email ATFTips@atf.gov. “All tips will remain anonymous,” ATF officials said.