The report of shots fired at a Jones County ballpark last week resulted the arrests of two teenagers, with one being a juvenile.
Alicia Cherry, 19, was arrested Sept. 4 and charged with reckless conduct for the unlawful discharge of a firearm in the vicinity of the general public. The juvenile was charged with tampering with evidence and the possession of a firearm under the age of 18.
A report of the arrest by Jones County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Travis Walker stated that he responded to the ballpark at the recreation center in reference to shots fired. He said when he arrived on the scene he was met by US Marshall Richard Dipaolo, who happened to be at the ballpark, and a good Samaritan who already had the juvenile in custody.
Walker said they also handed him a 9mm firearm that had been thrown into the woods by the juvenile before he was apprehended.
The sergeant said he read the juvenile his rights and asked him what happened. He did not get a clear answer. At that time, Walker did not know anyone else was involved.
The deputy said while interviewing witnesses he found out who had fired the shot. He said it was Cherry, who actually fired the shot from a Ruger 22 handgun, and she had also been apprehended by a good Samaritan. A witness told him Cherry fired the shot while standing on the sideline away from the field where the kids were playing sports.
Cherry reportedly stated she accidentally fired the shot while adjusting the firearm in her waistband. She then tried to get rid of the gun by throwing it under a vehicle.
Walker said when he spoke to Cherry, he found out the was juvenile was with her and ran off when her gun went off. She said she was shocked to find out he had a firearm.
Both suspects were taken to the Jones County Law Enforcement Center. The juvenile was transported to the Macon RYDC after being fingerprinted.
