19-year-old in critical condition after shooting along Blue Ridge Parkway

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — An investigation is underway after a shooting occurred on the Blue Ridge Parkway Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person injured.

A press release from the Blue Ridge Parkway states that around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, law enforcement rangers were notified of a shooting near mile marker 398 in the Asheville area.

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The National Park Service reported the victim is a 19-year-old man who was sent to Mission Hospital in critical condition. No information on the suspect has yet been released.

Officials said the parkway was briefly closed Wednesday between mile markers 393.6 and 405. According to a News 13 reporter at the scene around 4:15 p.m., the road was open again.

“Initial investigations indicate that this is a targeted crime and that there is no threat to the public,” the Parkway statement said.

Shortly after the Parkway reopened to drivers, WLOS spoke with hiker John Crawford about the incident. Crawford said he parked his car near a nearby overlook and was walking to a trailhead when he saw the chaotic scene.

“Just past the strip, there were dark colored sedans on the left side of the road and police vehicles were on both sides, front, back and sides, and there were flashing lights,” Crawford said.

For the moment, law enforcement has not specified how the suspect escaped. “It's an isolated area where you can do shady things without going too far, I guess,” Crawford added.

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At this point, it is unclear if the victim and shooter knew each other. It's also unclear what happened just before the shooting.

The National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch is leading the investigation with support from Blue Ridge Parkway law enforcement rangers and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.

This is a developing story. Check back with WLOS.com for updates.