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FAIRMONT (AP) — The middle school principal who was shot in the face while driving to work is recovering from his injuries, a school official said today.

James Hunt, principal of Fairmont Middle School, "was in a fair amount of pain, but he is resting," said Robeson County school system spokesman Al Kahn.

Kahn said the principal has tried to talk but "you couldn't necessarily make out what he said real well."

A former Marine, Hunt was hit by a shotgun blast fired from another vehicle Thursday morning as he drove to work on a rural road.

Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey said investigators were working on the case with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation.

"We are doing everything in our power to find out who is responsible for it along with the SBI," Sealey said. The sheriff said his office has received information from county residents and investigators are following those leads.

Hunt, who was in his first year as principal, has sent a message from his hospital bed to students and staff at his school. Robeson County school officials said the message was simply "2-12," which refers to a motivational book he likes.

School system student services director Brenda Deese said the message referred to a book, "2-12: The Extra Degree," that Hunt used to inspire his school community, and it means he is going to be all right.

Authorities said Hunt was shot about 7:30 a.m. as he drove to school on a rural road in the largely rural county in southeastern North Carolina. Robeson County is split by Interstate 95 and sits on the South Carolina border.

He was shot by someone who pulled alongside his white Jeep Cherokee in a pickup truck. Hunt drove himself about 15 miles to Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton and later was airlifted to Duke University Hospital in Durham.

Sealey said Hunt has several hours of surgery for injuries to his face and right hand.

Hunt's family has declined to comment about the shooting.