BERTIE COUNTY, NC (WITN) – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at a Dollar General Saturday night that left a 60-year-old man dead.

When officers entered the Merry Hill store around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, they found 60-year-old William Thomas Johnson of Plymouth suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

Nearby residents said they heard the shots and felt the shooting was too close to their homes.

“I woke up to go to the bathroom, saw all the lights and the commotion and learned that someone had been killed,” said Gaspar Misseri. “This gun violence is not going to go away on its own.”

Investigators said the suspect fled on foot and got into a car near the scene. The North Carolina Highway Patrol, Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and Ahoskie police were called Saturday night to help search for the suspect. Tracking dogs and a drone were also used in the search.

Some residents were shocked to hear that something like this had happened in their neighborhood, especially because many families with children live in the area.

“What bothers me most is that this store is frequented by many families, many children and many people who go to the beach. And it bothers me a lot to know that something has happened,” said local resident Lisa Geffert.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect was described as a black man wearing a blue hoodie and black pants.

The investigation is still in its early stages and no arrests have been made. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has also been called in to assist with the investigation.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Investigations Division at 252-794-5330.

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