Authorities are searching for suspects using drones after multiple victims were found when police responded to a shooting scene in Winston‑Salem Monday.
According to a post on X, the shooting near Leinbach Park occurred after a planned fight between two young individuals escalated.
Officials said that several of the individuals involved, including victims and suspects, have been located and identified as juveniles, although further details about how many people are involved and their exact ages have not yet been provided.
The Context
Gun Violence Archive (GVA) — which tracks shootings nationwide — reports that hundreds of juveniles are shot and killed each year, and thousands more are injured. In recent years, the U.S. has averaged over 1,600 children and teens (ages 0–17) killed by gunfire annually, with more than 5,000 injured.
FBI and local law‑enforcement data show that juveniles are involved in shootings both as victims and as suspects.
CDC mortality data confirms that firearms are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens, surpassing motor‑vehicle crashes.
What to Know
Police were called at 9:52 a.m. for the initial disturbance. Within minutes, the situation grew into an exchange of gunfire involving multiple people, according to updates posted by the department.
Authorities say there are multiple victims, though the exact number has not been confirmed.
The suspects remain outstanding, and officers are actively searching the area — including with law‑enforcement drones. The department urged residents to keep personal drones grounded to avoid interfering with the search.
No description of the suspects was immediately provided.
Schools in the area have been placed on a secure hold, but police emphasized that students are safe.
“This was not an active‑shooter call,” the department said in a statement aimed at quelling rumors. “This stemmed from a planned fight between two young individuals.”
Winston‑Salem is a city in Forsyth County in north‑central North Carolina, part of the Piedmont Triad region. It sits about 80 miles northwest of Charlotte and has a population of about 255,000 residents.
What Happens Next
Residents are being asked to avoid Sally Kirk Road and the park area while the investigation continues. Several roads in the area have been closed as police respond and investigate.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or submit an anonymous tip.
Nearby schools were initially placed on a secure hold, but police now say Mt. Tabor High School is operating normally. Parents do not need to pick up their children, though those who choose to may do so by presenting photo ID at the school’s front entrance.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
Update 4/20/26 11:38 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Update 4/20/26 11:45 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
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