NATCHEZ — Natchez police are searching for a suspect in a non-fatal Saturday shooting in the parking lot of the D&Z Lounge on East Franklin Street.

Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said police are on the lookout for Damion Chatman after an incident that occurred at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday, which left the victim with a non-life threatening gunshot wound in his lower left torso.

“We believe the shooter never went inside the lounge, but came across the victim outside in the parking lot and engaged in an argument with him. He then produced a small caliber weapon and shot him in the side.”

Armstrong said the victim was transported by ambulance to Merit Health Natchez and later transported to a Jackson hospital.

Armstrong said Adams County deputies stopped a vehicle that matched the description of the one Chatman had been driving and Chatman was not inside.

Police later searched the vehicle and recovered what they believe to be the gun that shot the victim, Armstrong said.

Eyewitnesses, video footage and the weapon, Armstrong said, provide a strong case against Chatman, who had not been found as of Monday.

Police have a warrant for Chatman’s arrest for a charge of aggravated assault, Armstrong said.

“No one should be harboring this fugitive,” Armstrong said. “Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Natchez Police Department or their local law enforcement agency. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone caught assisting the suspect may be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive.”