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On Tuesday, May 23 at approximately 6:30 p.m. officers responded to the area of John Small Avenue and E. Fifth Street in reference to a report of gunshots.  Almost immediately after receiving this call, a second call was received reporting a victim suffering from a gunshot wound in the area of Festival Park. The female victim was a bystander at Festival Park. She was transported to East Carolina Beaufort Health where she is being treated for gunshot wound to the leg.  Other agencies responded to the incident including Washington Fire/Rescue and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.  Both agencies provided substantial assistance throughout the incident.

As a result of the investigation it was revealed that the shooting incident occurred between two groups after a disagreement during a basketball game.

Washington Police Department seized six firearms, one of which was reported stolen and a half pound of marijuana. They arrested Xavier Marsh, 23, of Fayetteville, North Carolina and charged him with possession with intent to sell or distribute a controlled substance within 1000 ft of a park, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a stolen firearm.

He is being held on a $100,000 secured bond.

The investigation remains active, and further charges are to be expected. WPD said there is no threat to the general public.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Washington Police Department at 252-946-1444 or Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400.