CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities continue to search for a shooting suspect in Carter County after responding to a shooting in the 100 block of VIP Road Wednesday night.
A release from the Elizabethton Police Department (EPD) revealed that county deputies responded at 9 p.m. to reports of an injured man who had been shot multiple times.
A spokesperson with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released Thursday at 6:30 a.m. that while authorities believe there is no threat to those in the Milligan area, the suspect remains unidentified.
Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw told News Channel 11 that this incident was a targeted attack.
“The person was at home, the suspect came in with a gun and attacked him, so it’s a home invasion type attack on our victim,” Shaw said.
An investigation determined that a man entered the residence and fired multiple shots at the victim, who was later transported to an area hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
The shooter was described as a white man around 5-feet, 8-inches tall with blue eyes and a skinny build who was wearing a camouflage mask.
Neighbors told News Channel 11 the area is usually peaceful and the incident was unexpected.
“I think it was targeted, it had to be targeted because a person comes into your house and we don’t keep our doors locked here – I don’t need to because it’s quiet, it’s peaceful, no problems,” Micheal Pope said.
While deputies originally responded to the shooting, it was determined at 1 a.m. Thursday that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the EPD.
“Through the investigation, we have no indication that there is a threat to the public,” Shaw added.
EPD continues to investigate the case, and anyone with information is urged to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 423-547-6403. Anonymous tips can be sent by clicking here.
The sheriff’s office originally reported that people living in the area should stay inside.
This is a developing story. Look for updates on WJHL.com.
