The Halifax County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting which was reported shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.
Sheriff Wes Tripp said the shooting, which occurred outside the town limits of Scotland Neck, left the victim in critical condition.
The victim was shot in the abdomen at close range with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with birdshot.
The victim was initially transported to Our Community Hospital and then flown to another medical facility.
Tripp said evidence has been collected and investigators have developed a person of interest.