Teen wounded in apparent gang shooting

Staff report

Police were searching Monday night for a man they say seriously wounded a teenager in a gang-related shooting on Williams Road near Old Plank Road.

The victim, Anthony Brian Smyre, 17, sustained gunshot wounds in the throat and upper torso, Salisbury Police Chief Mark Wilhelm said. Police believe the shooter used a small-caliber handgun, possibly a .22, he said.

Wilhelm said Smyre's condition was "very serious, but I'm not sure if it's life-threatening."

Investigators were conducting interviews Monday evening and had a possible identification on the suspect after earlier obtaining his "street name." Wilhelm said police did not believe the suspect lives in the Salisbury area, and he didn't expect to take him into custody Monday.

"I expect to get warrants tonight, but at this point we do not know where to find him at," Wilhelm said. He said investigators didn't know exactly what led to the shooting, but "we do believe it was gang-related."

Smyre was first taken in a private vehicle to Rowan Regional Medical Center, then by ambulance to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

The shooting occurred shortly past 4 p.m. Monday. Witnesses told police they last saw the suspect running toward the Civic Park Apartments off Standish Street, but Wilhelm said police aren't sure which direction he went after that.

Police took one person into custody at the apartments whom Wilhelm said "has information but at this point is not a suspect."

Wilhelm said the last address police had for Smyre was on Proctor Drive.