A Clinton man airlifted Friday night following a shooting on Margaret Street remained in critical condition on Monday, according to Clinton Police officials, who are continuing their investigation.
Ortavous Lynch, 29, of 502 Margaret St., Clinton, was shot at least once while he walked along Margaret Street. The shooting happened around 8:40 p.m. Friday.
He was transported to the emergency room at Sampson Regional Medical Center, reportedly after sustaining a gunshot to the chest, sources said. Preliminary reports indicated that some type of rifle was used in the shooting.
Clinton Police Chief Donald Edwards said the gunshot wound “appeared to be life-threatening” shortly after the incident, in which he noted that Lynch was a target. Assistant Police Chief Anthony Davis confirmed late Monday that Lynch was still hospitalized and in critical condition.
“Detectives were called to the scene and note that this is not random,” Edwards stated following the shooting. “We have identified two suspects and are continuing to work, trying to determine the reason for the shooting.”
Davis said suspect names could be forthcoming later this week.
Sampson Regional was reportedly locked down while Lynch was there. It is standard for Sampson Regional, like other hospitals, to go into lockdown when dealing with a gunshot or stabbing victim, or an otherwise mass-casualty event, as a way to provide additional security.
Lynch was subsequently airlifted to a regional hospital to receive treatment. The name of the facility, where Lynch was still being treated Monday, was not disclosed by law enforcement officials as a further precautionary measure.