Smithfield Police Chief Alonzo Howell says his officers have identified several “people of interest” in a Feb. 19 shooting at Jersey Park Apartments that injured a 62-year-old man.

The victim, whom police have not named, sustained a single gunshot wound and was taken the night of the shooting to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.

Howell told Town Council members at a Feb. 27 committee meeting that the victim is “doing relatively well,” and was likely “not the intended” target.

“We believe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Howell said.

The chief said his officers received a tip the night of the shooting alleging the crime to be connected to a rivalry between someone from another jurisdiction and a Smithfield resident. Smithfield, Howell said, is coordinating its efforts with Suffolk police and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.

Thus far, police have been unable to connect any of the identified suspects to gang activity, Howell said. The department is continuing its efforts to identify additional people who may have been involved in the shooting.

Police say the suspects fled by vehicle on the night of the shooting prior to officers’ arrival. 

Anyone with information on the crime can provide their tip anonymously through the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, www.p3tips.com or investigations@smithfieldva.gov.