FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is taking over investigating a homicide that happened Wednesday on South Anderson Street in Bunnell.

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On Wednesday evening, the sheriff’s office reported that Noah Smith, 16, had been shot. Smith later died at the hospital.

The Bunnell Police Department interim chief spoke with Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly Thursday evening requesting the sheriff’s office Major Case Unit lead the investigation, according to the news release.

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Due to the case potentially involving additional investigative techniques outside their jurisdiction, Staly agreed to have the sheriff’s office take over the case, the news release states.

“We have heard the chatter of recent threats and retaliation in the community,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release. “Retaliation and violence will not be tolerated, and we will do everything in our power to prevent crimes or additional violence stemming from this senseless killing. We’ve been informed of multiple threats against the alleged perpetrator and the possibility of people taking matters into their own hands. While we share in the anger, sadness, and frustration of this unfortunate event, we are asking the community to let us conduct our investigation and allow us to get justice for the victim and his family. Detectives are working around the clock to solve this murder which took a young man’s life, and we will not rest until his killer is brought to justice. If you have anything that could aid in our investigative efforts, please contact the FCSO or CrimeStoppers. There is a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that could lead to an arrest. Your help and information is the best way to honor the memory of Noah. Together we will get justice for Noah and his family.”

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The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office by calling 386-313-4911, emailing TIPS@FlaglerSheriff.com, or calling CrimeStoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.

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