Law Enforcement Launches Manhunt for Suspect Facing Attempted Murder Charges Following Washington County Shooting

Washington County authorities seek Keontae Saunders for the attempted murder of two people following a Tuesday night shooting on Wilkins Farm Road.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 5:34 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WITN

Gunfire Erupts on Rural Road Near Plymouth North Carolina

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a high priority emergency call on Tuesday evening following reports of a shooting on Wilkins Farm Road. Upon arriving at the scene outside of Plymouth at approximately 8 p.m., deputies discovered a vehicle that had been riddled with several bullet holes. The physical evidence at the scene suggested a targeted or high volume discharge of a firearm directed at the occupants of the car, marking a significant escalation of violence in the rural area.

Medical Teams Treat Two Victims for Severe Gunshot Injuries

Two individuals were caught in the crossfire of the Tuesday night attack, including 20 year old Rob’mez Lewis and an unidentified teenager. According to investigators, both victims sustained serious gunshot wounds and required immediate transport to a local hospital for treatment. The medical condition of the victims remains a central focus of the ongoing investigation, as the severity of their injuries has necessitated the filing of high level felony charges against the identified suspect.

Suspect Identified as Search Efforts Intensify Across the Region

Authorities have officially named Keontae Saunders as the primary suspect in the double shooting. The 22 year old is currently wanted on two counts of attempted murder along with a variety of additional weapons related charges. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has released images of Saunders to the public, signaling an intensified search effort as they attempt to locate him before further incidents can occur.