Deputies investigating shootings in Columbus Co. nightclub | 911

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Deputies investigating shootings in Columbus Co. nightclub

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Monday, September 10th, 2012, 6:19pm

Topics: 911, Crime

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Columbus County sheriff's deputies are investigating a shooting that happened at Balls, a hangout spot in Evergreen early Monday morning.

According to investigators, around 2:00 a.m. two men from Lumberton were shot in the head at Balls Night Club in the nearby town of Boardman. They say a woman from Whiteville was also shot.

Deputies said they believe the shooting stemmed from a fight that happened earlier in Lumberton.

According to investigators Orlando Gaddy, 18, and Quinton Mitchell, 25, were the two men shot. They say Hope Smith, 26, who's from Whiteville was shot in the buttocks.

"I was on the porch at the club, when I turned to go inside, that's when I was hit." Said Hope Smith.

"I heard someone say, I got shot. They said Hope got shot. I ran to the front, saw her on the floor and the first thing I wanted to do is call for help." Said Christina Moore, Smith's friend.

According to Moore, while her friend was lying on the floor injured, two men working at Balls refused to tell her the address, while she was on the phone with dispatchers seeking help.

"So I gave them the best directions I knew. I said don't turn right at the gas station towards Boardman. Turn left, I think some people have been killed here before." Said Moore.

Deputies said Gaddy and Mitchell were taken to a hospital in Lumberton. Investigators said Mitchell is doing better than expected and will be released from the hospital. Gaddy is out of surgery and is listed in critical condition.

Captain David Nobles said the nightclub, Balls, has given the sheriff's office a lot of problems over the years. He said there have been shootings and fights there. Officials with Columbus County Dispatch say they have been called to the club 17 times since January 2010.

Nobles said Balls does not have the proper permits to operate as a club and they will get officials with the state alcohol law enforcement involved to help address the issue.