10 warrants issued in last week’s shootings

Published 11:03 pm Tuesday, October 10, 2017

 

NATCHEZ — Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said his department has served 10 warrants to people in connection with multiple shootings reported on Oct. 1.

Armstrong said two arrests have already been made, though those names have not been released.

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Armstrong said he is giving the other suspects time to turn themselves in before disclosing their names to the public. Armstrong said he would likely wait until next week until he publishes their names and photos.

The 10 individuals, Armstrong said, were either directly or indirectly involved in the shootings.

Based upon the chief’s account, suspects fired more than 130 shots from a high-powered assault rifle, with the shooting taking place between approximately 1 and 5 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1.

One man was killed on West Stiers Street amid the early morning shootings.

Armstrong said the individuals were driving around in a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, firing randomly as they canvassed the city.

“These individuals were driving all over the city firing shots at random, which means that every citizen, man, woman or child … could have possibly fallen victim of these crimes,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said many shots struck random vehicles and even one of the local funeral homes.

Armstrong also said the investigation has been aided by video footage submitted to police by both businesses and ordinary citizens.

“We have real good video of this incident as it was taking place because of concerned citizens … so for that, I want to say thanks to those persons who shared their video with us that came out of their businesses or their residence that allowed us to identify these individuals,” Armstrong said.

While Armstrong said the department has identified many people believed to be involved in the shootings, he said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with additional information to contact the Natchez Police Department.

Armstrong also provided those at Tuesday’s aldermen meeting with telephone numbers for Crime Stoppers, which offers a monetary award for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Armstrong said Crime Stoppers could be reached at 601-442-5000 or 1-888-442-5001.