BROOKHAVEN — Patience in the public and the Brookhaven Police Department is wearing thin as a 14-year-old shooting suspect is in hiding. Police Chief Kenny Collins said the suspect shot and killed a 23-year-old man Saturday is yet to be in custody. 

The deadly shooting occurred near apartments at 209 Pennington Street Saturday. Lincoln County Coroner Blake Wallace identified the victim as William Young. Wallace told The Daily Leader Saturday night it is believed an altercation led to the shooting. Collins added the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in an interview Sunday. 

The identity of the 14-year-old suspect has not been released yet by Brookhaven Police Department. Collins said Friday morning they are still working to bring him in. He has given the family plenty of time to cooperate. 

“We are asking the family to get him in or we will find him. I’ve tried to work with the family,” Collins said. “We don’t want him injured and no one else injured. I’ve been patient.” 

On Thursday, Collins said the suspect could be between Brookhaven and Texas but the police department would work with the appropriate authorities when the time comes. 

Collins said they will work with any agency they can to bring the juvenile in. 

“If we find anyone assisting this fugitive and we have the evidence you will be charged,” Collins said. “It didn’t have to be this way.” 

Police officers are working to collect statements from witnesses and processing evidence. Collins said there are a lot of moving parts to the case. 

Since Jan. 1, 2024, Brookhaven has had five shootings.