Crime
Henry Hargis Identified as Suspect in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — Authorities have identified Henry Hargis, a student at First Flight High School, as the suspect in a deadly shooting that took place Thursday afternoon, July 31, in the parking lot of the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills.
Zane Hughes Identified as Victim Killed in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
The incident left one teenager dead and another seriously injured.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris, officers were dispatched to the pier at approximately 2:37 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Police arrived on scene in under four minutes.
One male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim—also a male—was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency surgery.
The suspect, who had fled the scene before officers arrived, was quickly identified based on witness statements and vehicle descriptions.
He was apprehended shortly thereafter by Southern Shores Police with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Harris confirmed the situation is now contained and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the shooting stemmed from a possible altercation. One pier employee stated that the suspect drove around the parking lot before opening fire, striking one victim in the chest.
A second boy, believed to be on vacation and fishing at the pier, was shot in the leg.
The victims are believed to be students from First Flight High School, and the shooting has left the local community deeply shaken.
An emotional witness told Channel2 NOW that one of the victims, a young boy, died in the arms of a bystander named Chrissy. “She called me bawling,” said the source, “She thought it was fireworks at first—then she realized what had happened.” Chrissy reportedly saw the child covered with a sheet, and described the scene as traumatic.
Another witness, Helen Ginter, shared on social media that her friend’s nephew, the boy who was shot in the leg, is currently in surgery. “Please pray for my friend’s nephew,” she wrote. “He was just fishing while on vacation. We’re thankful he’s going to be okay.”
Due to the active investigation and the scene still being processed, the Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot remains blocked off, and no one is being allowed to leave until further notice.
Assistant Chief Harris, a veteran with 48 years of law enforcement experience, stated that he had “never encountered an incident like this” in his career, and called the shooting an isolated incident that is still under active investigation.
In response to the tragedy, Austin Ayers, a Republican congressional candidate for North Carolina’s 3rd District, expressed condolences. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident,” he said. “Please respect first responders at Avalon Pier as they do their jobs. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending family notifications.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.