TROUTMAN, N.C. — Police in Troutman are investigating a shooting that left at least one person dead at a shopping center on Saturday night.
Alexander Hipple, 18, of Mooresville, and another victim, were shot along Mills Avenue while in the other victim’s car, according to the Troutman Police Department.
Police say Hipple drove to the Food Lion on North Main Street where first responders found him dead.
The other victim was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and was released.
Troutman police believe the shooting stemmed from a robbery.
Channel 9 veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts spoke with a witness in the parking lot where the victims were found.
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“Nobody should ever lose their life at the expense of somebody else,” said Danelle McGallard. “I just don’t know what to say right now. I’m in shock, honestly.”
Resident Kristi Boyles said the shots were fired right outside her home.
“We just heard, ‘Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop,’ and we just kind of looked at each other and froze,” Boyles told Counts. “My son, his bedroom is upstairs -- come down the steps and he goes, ‘Was that gunshots?’ I think so. Well, somebody is running out past the church.”
Police have not released suspect information but have spent a lot of time trying to calm fears.
Troutman police said after the shooting that there was no danger to the public and it was not a random act of violence.
“I can say from information gathered pretty quickly from the night of the incident, we were able to determine there was not a threat to the general public,” Chief Joel Watson said.
The chief said they always make it a point to be visible, but it will probably be a while before things turn to normal.
The Troutman Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the shooting.
This is a developing story; check back at wsoctv.com for updates.
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