RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The report of shots fired at a Jones County Recreational facility last month was the reason for additional security and new policies at the gym.
The Dec. 20 report of the incident by Jones County Deputy Zach Allen stated he was dispatched to the gym in reference to gunshots being heard outside of the building. Allen said when he arrived, he noticed a large group of males standing at the entrance of the gym.
The deputy said he approached the group and asked what happened. He said he was told that someone began shooting at the gym from the outside. After talking to them further, Allen said the consensus was it was possibly a white minivan with three black males inside.
The deputy said he requested additional units, and Deputies Alya Morris, Matthew Johnson, Sgt. Kasey Carr and Investigator Barron Hall arrived at the scene.
Allen said one of the witnesses he spoke to said a large group of the males were playing basketball inside the gym when one went to his backpack and started talking about “stuff” that was missing. He said the male went outside and came back in making threats, while showing that he had a gun in his pants. The male continued to ask where was his “stuff.” He then went outside, and the crowd followed.
The witness said the male was near the outside basketball court and he started shooting in the air and yelling. The witness said two other males got into the white minivan, started down the driveway and began shooting at the gym before leaving the area.
Allen said while speaking to the victims who were in the gym, it was evident that the “stuff” was a pistol that was missing from his bag. He said no one at the gym knew the three males, but he was given descriptions.
It was reported the males were in their late teens or early 20s, one light skinned with a fire neck tattoo. The deputy said people at the gym were asked who could have taken the gun from the bag. He said he was told there was a male there who could have taken the gun because he left in a hurry.
Allen said nine .40 caliber shell casings were located in the driveway of the gym, and two projectiles were located inside the gym with multiple fragments scattered around the gym. He said photos were taken of the evidence, including bullet holes in the side of the building and tire tracks leaving the gym.
JCSO Investigator Kenny Allen said in a Jan. 6 text that one individual had been identified by Investigator Crystal Murphy, and warrants had been issued. Allen said the case remains under investigation and anyone with information should contact the sheriff’s office at 478-986-3489. Information can also be shared with investigators anonymously by using the JCSO smart phone app.
