The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a shooting that occurred in the South Weldon area this morning and has issued a warrant for the arrest of Jason Keith Alston for attempted first-degree murder.

The sheriff’s office received the call shortly before 12:15 a.m. and responded, along with the Weldon Police Department, to Elm Street, near The Strip.

Weldon Officer L. Clanton was the first to arrive and spoke with the victim, Edwin Branch, who was at a residence on Elm Street.

Branch, 28, of Roanoke Rapids was shot numerous times but was able to tell Clanton who allegedly shot him, Chief Deputy Wes Tripp of the sheriff’s office said this morning.

The sheriff’s office issued a warrant for the arrest of Alston.

Branch was airlifted to Vidant Trauma Center in Greenville for treatment.

Tripp said Detective R. Somogyi obtained a statement from Branch. Tripp declined to discuss the statement.

While the motive is not clear, Tripp did say Alston and Branch were walking together along the railroad tracks when Alston allegedly shot him.

Alston, 24, is described as a black male standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 240 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information on Alston’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.