A juvenile was being taken to a trauma center after sustaining gunshot wounds this afternoon following a shooting in the 300 block of Monroe Street.

Captain Jamie Hardy of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said preliminary investigation shows that around 3 p.m. two people exchanged words. One of those involved pulled out a gun and then the other pulled out a gun.

Shots were fired although it was not immediately clear whether both fired. 

Hardy said the person shot was a juvenile under the state’s new law which now defines a juvenile as someone 18 and under.

The victim was initially transported to Vidant North and then was being airlifted to another medical facility for treatment.

Investigation continues and anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.