Updated 3:17 p.m.
Two homes were struck but no one was injured after a drive-by shooting in broad daylight Thursday. Four Whiteville schools were placed on lockdown.
Det. Scott Moody of the Whiteville Police said officers responded to the call on West Burkhead Street and found shell casings at the intersection of Maxwell and Burkhead
Two homes were struck, one of which was occupied at the time.
“The person inside was not injured and at this time we do not have a suspect,” Moody said. “We are still investigating the incident.”
Whiteville City Schools Superintendent said the lockdown was just a precaution, and has been lifted.
The affected schools were North Whiteville Academy, Central Middle, Edgewood Elementary and Whiteville High. Whiteville Primary was not affected.
“EES, NWA, CMS, and WHS were placed on a precautionary soft lockdown this afternoon due to shots being fired within the community,” Whichard said in an email. “We appreciate the swift action of the Whiteville Police Department and Columbus County Sheriff’s Department for their support in protecting our campuses.”
Safety protocols were followed, Whichard said, and none of the schools reported any problems.
“At no time were students and staff members safety compromised,” he said. “We will always enact the strictest proactive safety measures for our schools.”
This is a developing story.
