A Jonestown shooting left two juveniles with non-life-threatening injuries last Friday. But the incident also led deputies in a chase with four suspects, who were later determined not to have anything to do with the shooting incident but were in possession of a stolen firearm.
And although the fourth suspect was never apprehended, Sheriff Jeremy McCoy said a third suspect was released from custody through some form of miscommunication.
The incident began last Friday around midnight when both deputies and police officers responded to a shooting in the Jonestown area.
“Two juveniles were shot at and struck with non-life-threatening injuries,” said Police Chief Terry Gann.
McCoy said deputies began circulating the area when they noticed four males walking in the Broadway and Ward Street area.
“Upon seeing our patrol vehicle, these individuals took off running,” McCoy said. “Naturally, we began trying to find them to see what was going on.”
McCoy said two of the four subjects were then found hiding underneath a porch at a home near Ward Street and East Madison Street.
“We called them to come out, and they resisted,” McCoy said. “After detaining them, we discovered two pistols, one of which was reported stolen.”
McCoy said one of the suspects was a juvenile, but the other suspect was an adult, identified as Carl Davis Jr., who was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, trespassing, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
“While at the scene, we noticed the house next door had a back door that had been kicked in,” McCoy said. “We also noticed footprints on the wooden floors.”
Deputies then entered the abandoned house and found a third suspect hiding in the attic, later identified as Jachilles Smith. McCoy said Smith is a juvenile, but he had been adjudicated, adding that he was out on a felony bond for aggravated assault charges.
McCoy said the fourth suspect was not apprehended.
Gann said his department questioned the suspects and could not determine if they had any involvement with the Jonestown shooting.
“Unfortunately, through some form of miscommunication this individual (Smith) was released,” McCoy said.
Smith remains on the run, wanted for breaking and entering charges. McCoy urges the public to call 662-746-0014 to report any tips on his whereabouts.
Gann also said no arrests have been made in connection to the Jonestown shooting as of press time, adding that the case remains under investigation with charges pending.
