Police: Teen wearing mask shot, killed in Durham apartment
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Authorities in Durham are investigating a fatal shooting after police say a 16-year-old who was wearing a mask, died after exchanging gunfire with a resident at an apartment complex early Monday morning.
Around 12:42 a.m., police officers were called to the apartment in the 2800 building of the South Terrace at Auburn on East Woodcroft Parkway.
According to police, 16-year-old Jalen Thompson Johnson of Durham was apparently attempting to break into an occupied apartment when he exchanged gunfire with a man inside.
That man placed a 911 call seconds after being shot. He explained to the dispatcher someone was trying to break into his home while wearing a mask. He fought back.
He said he was injured and needed help.
"The bullets in my leg," the caller said frantically. The caller's identity has not been released.
He suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Johnson died during the incident. ABC11 learned he was a 10th grader at Hillside High School.
Principal Dr. William Logan told ABC11 Johnson wasn't involved in any sports or extracurricular activities at the school.
The district sent extra grief counselors to the school to help students and staff cope with the loss.
"Anytime you have to deal with a loss of a student it's always hard and I'm just still getting over the initial shock of it all," said Logan.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator J. Barr at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29325 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.
