By Tom Embrey

Senior Writer

Southern Pines police officers say an attempted homicide Friday was not a random act and that the victim and the suspect have a "prior relationship."

Police are still looking for Kovacs Kieron Troutman, 29, of Southern Pines, who is wanted in connection with the shooting that occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Friday at the U.S. 1 off ramp to Morganton Road in Southern Pines.

Responding officers discovered the victim, identified as Bobby Terrell Dobbins, of Southern Pines, shot multiple times while sitting in a parked vehicle. Dobbins was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Police said Dobbins and another woman were sitting in the car because "apparently they were having car trouble."

Troutman was last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded shirt and camouflage pants, and was armed with a handgun. Arrest warrants have been issued. Police ask anyone who knows the whereabouts of Troutman to call 911.

If you have information on this crime or other crimes, contact the Southern Pines Police Department Investigation Division at (910) 693-1481 or the Crime Tip Line at (910) 693-4110.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey @thepilot.com.