Multiple shootings reported across city

Published 12:04 am Monday, October 2, 2017

NATCHEZ — One man was shot and killed early Sunday morning, but police received at least five other shots fired calls during the early morning hours Sunday.

Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said he was aware of calls for shootings reported at East Franklin Street, Jefferson Street and Old Washington Road, but said police were not certain if the shootings were all connected or not.

At 5:18 a.m., Richard Frazier, 34, was gunned down inside his vehicle on West Stiers Lane.

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Before that, at approximately 1 a.m., and also at 1:40 a.m., police received a shots fired call on Old Washington Road.

Armstrong said apparently someone was firing a weapon in the area of the Zippy service station. Armstrong said no one was injured and no damage was reported.

At 4 a.m., a Ferriday man reported his vehicle was struck by bullets as he left Club Paradise, Armstrong said. Armstrong said at least one other vehicle in the area of Club Paradise was also hit by gunfire. The first vehicle was only occupied by the driver, while the second vehicle had two occupants, a man and a woman.

Armstrong said the vehicles were hit, but no one was injured. Armstrong said no arrest has been made but police had leads.

“We don’t know if it is a random shooting or if it was a shooting that was directed toward (the occupants), or if it was directed toward someone else and it happened to strike these vehicles,” Armstrong said. “We talked to several people at or near Club Paradise.”

At approximately 4:59 a.m. another call was reported on Jefferson Street. Area resident Kevin Miers said he heard the gunshots and went outside and didn’t see anything at the time.

Miers said he called 911 and officers arrived approximately four minutes later. In between officers arriving and his calling 911, Miers said he heard more gunshots coming from the North side of town and said he directed police in that direction.

Miers said he went back outside at approximately 10 a.m. and found shell casings less than 50 feet from his residence. He called 911 again and police came and picked up the casings.

“A lot of people heard (the shots being fired),” Miers said. “No one was sure where it actually was happening. That confirmed it was right there on my street.”

The dispatch log also includes shots fired — with reports listed as being written — at 5:11 a.m on Seargent S. Prentiss Drive and at 1:26 a.m. on Dumas Drive.

Armstrong said he was not aware of these two incidents.

Armstrong said if anyone had information on any of the shootings to call 911.

Crime Stoppers is also an option, Armstrong said. Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Calls are anonymous.