A manhunt is underway in Collin County for a middle schooler wanted in connection with a deadly shooting, and investigators now believe he may have fled Texas.

“If you’re out there, turn yourself in,” said J. Michael Jones, the Lavon Chief of Police. 

Police say the shooting happened Saturday night, just before 9 p.m. on Wellington Drive in Lavon, when an argument broke out between the 14-year-old suspect and a 24-year-old acquaintance.

Police say that the altercation turned deadly. The teen shot and killed the 24-year-old before fleeing the scene.

“A murder is a very rare thing in our city, so it’s shocking,” said Jones. “And it’s even more shocking that this suspect is a 14-year-old.”

Police describe the suspect as a Black male, 5’4″, about 125 pounds. They know who he is, but say they can’t disclose the information due to his age.

“There is a large possibility he is no longer in the state of Texas,” Jones said.  

Community ISD confirmed the suspect is a student at Community Trails Middle School, where district leaders took extra precautions in case he is still in town.

Meanwhile, Lavon’s chief of police says they have a warrant and are continuing their search here, as well as working with out-of-state agencies to find their suspect.

“And have a message for both the suspect and those helping him hide,” said Jones. “I would like to speak to the people who may be with this individual. First off, his best chance is for you to bring him and turn him in. We want to talk to him; we want to hear his side of the story. But this is a murder charge; it will never go away. You can never hide long enough, and let me say this: if you continue to conceal him, and move him away. I will find you. I will investigate you, and I will put you in jail.”

Police ask anyone with information that can help them find their suspect to reach out or use their anonymous tip line by texting LAVONPD to 847411.