An alleged suspect in a murder which occurred in the Baker's School Road area of Scotland Neck this morning is in custody.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said the murder occurred around 5 a.m.

Following the murder the reputed suspect, who the sheriff's office is not immediately naming, fled across open fields to a residence on River Road, which is about a mile and a half away, and broke into the residence.

The homeowner shot at the suspect, who was not hit, in defense of the break-in and deputies took the person into custody.

Tripp said more information will be forthcoming later.