WINTON, N.C.—A Murfreesboro, N.C., man was released from Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville after he was shot during a New Year’s Eve party at Club 561 in Winton.

Keith Powell, 26, was hit once in the neck by alleged shooter Jermaine L.Dukes, according to the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office. Dukes faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder.

According to Sheriff Juan Vaughan, Dukes fired several shots from a handgun in Powell’s direction.

“We received a call around 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 regarding the shooting,” Vaughan said. “The call came from a female who informed us that she was transporting her brother to RCH (Roanoke-Chowan Hospital) and that he had been shot.”

Powell was transferred to Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

HCSO Captain Marty Davis conducted the initial investigation.

“Through his investigation at the club and from later talking with the victim, Captain Davis was told there were a few fights that had broken out at the club prior to the shooting,” Vaughan said. “As a result, Mr. Dukes pulled a handgun and fired several times at Mr. Powell.”

Vaughan asked the public to help locate the shooter with a warning.

“He has reportedly already shot one man, so he needs to be considered as armed and extremely dangerous,” Vaughan ssaid. “If you know his whereabouts, I would advise not to attempt to make contact with him; rather give us a call at (252) 358-7841.”

Dukes, 21, has an address of 353 Mt. Moriah Road, Winton.

“That’s the last known address we have on him, but that’s not where he’s at now; he’s hiding out somewhere,” Vaughan said.