A North Carolina nursing home that specializes in treating Alzheimer’s patients, was the scene of a shooting at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday that left six people dead and at least three others injured, including the first police officer on the scene and the gunman.
The incident took place at the Pinelake Health and Rehab Center in Carthage, located between Charlotte and Raleigh. The gunman was heavily armed when he entered the facility and began shooting at patients in wheelchairs.
According to Carthage Police Chief Chris McKenzie, the gunman walked into the 90-bed nursing home facility and opened fire. The injured were taken to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, according to spokeswoman Emily Sloan. She indicated that one person had been taken into surgery and another was released, while several others were still being treated.
McKenzie said, “It’s a horrible event in any size town, particularly though when you deal with a small town like Carthage. It’s hard. It’s my town. I was born and raised here.”
Police indicate that the gunman, a young adult male, is in custody. Multiple police units were called in to assist from Moore County Sheriff’s Dept., Vass Police Dept., Robbins Police Dept. and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. A press conference is planned for 5:00 p.m. ET.
More photos and a video interview with the Carthage police chief below.