A local North Carolina news outlet obtained terrifying footage of Little Leaguers hitting the ground or running for safety when gunfire erupted during their state championship tournament Sunday morning.
Several adults can be heard telling the children to get down after a third consecutive gunshot was clearly heard coming from somewhere in the distance. Commotion ensued shortly thereafter as people audibly wondered which direction the shots were coming from.
The players on the field at the time of the shooting were from South Durham Little League, which were teams consisting of 8- and 9-year-olds, WITN reports. The team’s Facebook account sent a message stating everyone was safe. A parent of one of the kids told WRAL News that a bullet landed next to their son who was standing in the outfield.
The remaining games on Sunday were canceled. When the tournament resumed the following day, South Durham Little League decided to pull out, saying the incident was “too traumatic for us to even consider having the teams return.”
Authorities said Monday that they believe no one on the field was intentionally targeted in the shooting. Police found a minivan in a nearby parking lot with its back window shot out. Investigators also suspected two vehicles could be associated with the incident, but later ruled them out as they belonged to people who attended the game.
“The Wilson Police Department is still actively investigating this case and is utilizing all of its resources to determine the cause of yesterday’s event,” Capt. Steven Stroud said. “The department understands the importance of this investigation and the implications that it has on our community.”
