An 18-year-old victim had his lip torn open after he was struck with the butt end of a handgun Saturday night.

The victim and his friend were walking home from a local store when at Third and Taylor streets they were approached by what Roanoke Rapids police describe as a group of eight or nine young black males.

One of the people in the group displayed what appeared to be a handgun, Captain Andy Jackson said, and struck the victim in the face with it, tearing his lip open.

The victim said he heard gunshots but didn’t believe the weapon was fired at him or his friend, who fled when the shots were fired.

Jackson said police received the call just after 10:15 p.m. and Sergeant Winnie Bowens responded to the area of Fourth and Taylor streets where the victim was being transported to Halifax Regional Medical Center in a personal vehicle.

From there she and Lieutenant Perry Parks went to the hospital to interview the victim who was treated and released.

Jackson said at this point investigators are trying to identify all who were involved.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.