A Vicksburg man was hospitalized Friday after being beaten by a group of men while playing basketball.

Otis Thomas, 46, no address available, was beaten Thursday night by a group of unidentified men as he was playing basketball near South and First North streets, Vicksburg police Capt. Sandra Williams said.

Thomas was in serious condition Friday night at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, hospital officials said.

Anyone with information about the beating is encouraged to call Vicksburg police at 601-636-2511 or Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and do not have to testify in court. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of a felony suspect.

 

Teen charged with having stolen gun

A Vicksburg teen accused of having a stolen gun was in jail Friday.

Deangelo Fields, 18, 2638 Roosevelt St., was arrested Friday and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, Vicksburg police Capt. Sandra Williams said.

Fields was arrested after officers responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle at Washington and Veto streets, a block from police headquarters, Williams said.

Fields was held Friday in the Warren County jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.