PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – A juvenile is dead after a shooting at The Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds Saturday night. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for information to help them find the suspect.
Law enforcement officials say it happened at the fairgrounds in the Ringgold Community of Pittsylvania County at about 11:45 p.m.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, one individual, who is a juvenile, was fatally injured after an altercation between two young adults. Fair Manager Larry Burnett told 10 News there were about 10,000 to 15,000 people at the fair last night.
The manager reports that it started outside of the campground gate and then led to a shooting. Weapons are not allowed inside the fair.
While there were sheriff’s deputies present last night, there will be more security at the fair on Sunday, which will be open from 1 to 10 p.m.
This is the first fatal incident at the fair since it started 30 years ago, according to the fair manager. Burnett said he is deeply saddened by the event and sends his prayers to the family.
“For 30 years, we never had an incident [like this], never had a shooting. We feel fortunate. But we do feel sadness in our hearts for the family of the victim. Our hearts and prayers go out with them,” he said.
Deputies have not identified the victim due to the age.
The fair will last until the 25th and will have more than a dozen security guards present to monitor the fairgrounds. There will also be about 30 car parkers who will manage the parking lot and more two-way radios.
The Pittsylvania County Crimestoppers has offered up to $5000 in reward offerings for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for this incident.
The victim’s identity is not being released due to the age of the victim.
Authorities report that this is an isolated event and do not believe there is a threat to the public.
You can call the Pittsylvania County Crimestoppers at 1-800-791-0044 with information. You may also remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward offering.