ROANOKE RAPIDS — “We believe this is the gun used in the shooting at the mill Saturday night,” said Roanoke Rapids Police Capt. Andy Jackson.

Della Batts | Daily Herald This weapon, a Jennings .22-caliber, semi-automatic handgun, believed to have been used in a recent shooting of a security guard near the old Bibb Mill plant, was found Thursday morning off Monroe Street. Advertisement

The suspect, Andrew Bell, 17, of Roanoke Rapids, turned himself in late Tuesday night.

The weapon was found Thursday morning by a resident on Monroe Street. Police were called and the gun was seized and taken into evidence.

Police described the weapon as a Jennings .22-caliber, semi-automatic handgun. When found it was loaded with three bullets.

While members of Roanoke Rapids Police A Squad were on routine patrol Monday, a person matching the description of the suspect wanted in the Saturday night shooting of a security guard near the old Bibb Plant Mill was spotted. Officers observed the suspect with a small caliber handgun in his waistband. Bell ran, a chase ensued and Bell escaped capture by police, explained Roanoke Rapids Police Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek.

The original incident occurred around 11 p.m. Saturday when an on-duty security guard “in the area of 13th Street and the old mill parking lot was approached by a male on an orange bicycle demanding his wallet,” Bondarek stated, adding the suspect then “pulled a small caliber handgun from his person and fired at the security guard at close range, striking him one time.”

The security guard is listed in good condition.

Bell is charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, fleeing the police and larceny of a bicycle.

Bell was jailed on a $50,000 bond with a Dec. 19 court date.