UPDATE: 3 teens arrested after Wednesday shooting outside Natchez vape store

Published 10:27 am Thursday, March 7, 2024

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NATCHEZ — Three teens have been arrested in the aftermath of a Wednesday evening shooting outside a Natchez vape and phone repair shop on Seargent Prentiss Drive.

One person was hit and is expected to be OK, said Natchez Police Department Commander Jerry Ford.

“He was carried to the hospital by private vehicle,” Ford said.

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The incident which involved five or six people happened between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Two people inside one of the stores got into a verbal altercation.  As one party left and got into a vehicle, the three teens followed them outside and one started shooting at the occupied vehicle, injuring one person inside.

Those arrested include Trevor Malone, age 15, who has been charged as an adult for shooting into a vehicle, two counts of attempted murder, and shooting inside city limits.

Adrian Thomas, 18, has been charged with accessory before the fact of attempted murder.

Adrian Thomas’s brother, Tyrese Thomas, 19, is charged with accessory after the fact of attempted murder.

Ford said possibly other charges are forthcoming.

“There were other bystanders in the area,” and in harm’s way, added Ford.

The investigation remains ongoing, he added.

Sixth District Attorney Tim Cotton also issued a statement after hearing about the shooting.

“My office cannot comment on pending investigations but will state, though I cannot prevent crimes from taking place, through diligent police work, collaboration and strong communication, we will continue our efforts to justly and expeditiously rid our community of those who believe that they must resolve their difference with the use of firearms,” he said. “Individuals are innocent until proven guilty. However, my office’s message to the community regarding firearm-related offenses is simple. This conduct cannot and will not be tolerated.”