A Yazoo City business remains on the radar with investigators as reluctant witnesses refuse to talk about a number of shootings that have occurred over the past week.
Police Chief Ronald Sampson said no suspects have been arrested following shootings at 640 West Second St., a convenient store that also holds a pool hall.
Sampson said the first incident occurred on March 19 when two victims were shot after an altercation. No deaths occurred, but one victim remains in a Jackson hospital.
“It is alleged that there was gambling at the business,” Sampson said. “There was a dispute over money. During that dispute, multiple shots were fired between what we believe were four individuals.”
Sampson said one victim was struck in his abdomen and neck. He remains at the University Medical Center in Jackson. The second victim was shot through his arm but was treated and released.
Sampson said the victims are claiming to not know who fired the shots.
“It appears that there have been a few other incidents since then, as early as this Monday,” Sampson said. “A young lady was arrested by officer Danny Miller after discharging a firearm.”
Tiquadra Monston was charged with discharging a firearm within the city limits.
“Within that same incident a young man was shot through his lower leg,” Sampson said. “The problem is that no one wants to cooperate with us. The last victim is unwilling to talk to the police.”
The business is considered an adult establishment, which falls under the city’s ordinances concerning nightclubs. There are strict ordinances surrounding operational hours of such businesses.
Sampson said the business owner said the altercation happened in the parking lot after the business was closed for the night.
“During the shooting, we were able to find two to three projectiles inside the business, which leads us to believe someone fired the shots from inside,” Sampson said. “Three vehicles were also struck by bullets.”
Sampson said his department will continue to patrol the area and speak with witnesses in the hopes that someone will come forward.
“The best way to make sure this doesn’t grow is by putting extra law enforcement there,” he said. “This business has to abide by the same rules as any other business geared towards adults. Any violations we find will be enforced. We will do everything in our power that they are operating as they are supposed to.”
To report an annonymous tip, call Crimestoppers at 746-TIPS.
