Three arrested in Thursday night shooting in NA

New Albany Police Chief Chris Robertson said Friday afternoon that his department had just made three arrests in connection with a shooting incident Thursday night.

He released only limited details because they were just starting to interview suspects but said he hoped to be able to provide more information later Friday.

“Shortly after 9 p.m. we received a 911 call about shots fired at 214 Simmons,” Robertson said.

“Officers responded to find a lot of people there,” he continued. “They were told that an altercation had occurred and a shooting victim had been taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital.”

Almost immediately the hospital called police to report that a young male shooting victim had indeed been brought in. An investigator went to the hospital to learn more.

The chief said the incident apparently was the result of an ongoing feud that started a couple of weeks ago.

“An altercation occurred at Dollar General between a young black female and a group of black males,” he said.

The dispute apparently simmered and a group went to the Simmons Street residence, where one of the males lived, to discuss what the problem was Thursday night.

“They knocked on the door at the residence but the occupants would not let them in,” Robertson said. “Then another vehicle pulled up occupied by two males and a female.”

Although the circumstances are not clear, it appears that one of the males shot the other.

“The victim was flown to Tupelo with a gunshot wound to the arm and one to the buttocks,” the chief said. “He had to have surgery but the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and he is still being treated at NMMC.”

A large group of maybe 100 had gathered at the hospital emergency department while this was going on so police were there in case they were needed for crowd control. “Emotions were high, but there were no problems,” the chief said.

After working on the investigation through the day, Robertson said two males and one female were picked up on Butler Avenue about 2 p.m. Friday. They were taken in for interrogation.

One long gun was recovered but officers were still looking for the handgun believed used in the shooting.

Robertson said he hoped to be able to release names, charges and bonds by 5 p.m. but if not, it would be Monday before he could.