William Thomas Johnson Obituary, Death – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday night at a Dollar General store, resulting in the death of a 60-year-old man. Deputies responding to the incident found William Thomas Johnson of Plymouth suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the Merry Hill store around 9:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead shortly after authorities arrived.
Local residents, who were shaken by the incident, reported hearing the gunshots. The shooting has left many in the community feeling uneasy, as it took place in a familiar and frequently visited location. One nearby resident, Gaspar Misseri, recounted waking up to use the restroom and noticing the lights and commotion outside, later learning that someone had been killed. Misseri expressed concern over the persistent issue of gun violence, remarking, “This gun violence just won’t go away by itself.”
According to investigators, the suspect fled the scene on foot before getting into a car nearby. In an effort to locate the suspect, multiple law enforcement agencies were called in to assist, including the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Ahoskie Police Department. K-9 units and a drone were deployed to aid in the search.
The shooting has left the community in shock, particularly because the store is located in a neighborhood where many families with children reside. Lisa Geffert, a local resident, voiced her concerns, stating that the Dollar General is frequently visited by families and children, as well as people heading to the beach. “It bothers me a lot to know that something happened,” Geffert said, highlighting the impact the incident has had on the sense of safety in the area.
The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has described the suspect as a Black male wearing a blue hoodie and black pants. As the investigation is still in its early stages, no arrests have been made so far. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has also been brought in to assist with the case.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has requested that those who may have any knowledge about the incident contact their investigations division at 252-794-5330. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and justice for the victim.