Police chief updates BOMA on Tuesday shooting at Fastway gas station; Flaggs says shutting down business is an option

Published 12:46 am Wednesday, December 11, 2024

: Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones, at far right, speaks to the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Alderman, from left, Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and Ward 1 Alderman Thomas "T.J." Mayfield Tuesday afternoon. (Blake Bell/The Vicksburg Post)

A shooting at the Fastway service station on the corner of Clay and Cherry streets Tuesday morning during the regular meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen prompted the city board to reconvene Tuesday afternoon, when Chief of Police Penny Jones provided an update on the case.

The shooting marked the the second incident of gunfire at the location in four days and the second shooting in as many months to take place in broad daylight.

One person was injured in Tuesday’s incident and one suspect is currently being sought by police.

“A short time after the shooting, I met with the owners (of the gas station),” Jones said. “We came up with a plan in place…some things that will help the store and the people in the community feel safer.”

Jones said the owners of the service station have agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city that will appear on the agenda for board approval at its next meeting Monday, Dec. 16.

While no details of the MOU were discussed Tuesday, Flaggs said the city has worked with the station’s owners in the past, but is not opposed to shutting the business down if safety at the location does not improve.

“We have notified them, and we’ve called them to the (police) station, right?” Flaggs asked. “And they’re aware of their violation and what they’ve got to do to improve? If not, we’re going to use that statute to close them down. They need to come in, sign that MOU, or we’ll have to close them down.”

The City of Vicksburg has faced complications from shuttering businesses after repeated incidents of gunfire in the recent past. The city is currently being sued by the owners of Jacques’ nightclub after it was shut down for months on end in 2023 following a number of gun-related incidents at its downtown location behind The Mulberry.

Flaggs said, should it come to that again, he believes the statute in question is effective and legal.

“They are a violator of the nuisance law in this state,” he said. “I know that for a fact. I’ve seen it work in Hattiesburg. I’ve seen it work all around this state. So, we’re putting everybody on notice in this city.”

In the hours since Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) has issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for a suspect in the shooting, 20-year-old Rashad Williams.

Jones said Williams is considered armed and dangerous and asked that anyone with any information about his whereabouts contact VPD Capt. Curtis Judge at 601-831-8026, or VPD at 601-636-2511.

Jones also addressed Tuesday’s shooting on the VPD Facebook page. The full post is as follows:

Today, our department responded to an incident at 1217 Cherry Street. This location has previously been the site of multiple calls for service, and we recognize the concerns many of you may have regarding these events. Please know that we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community, and we are actively working to address this situation. I want to reassure you that every incident that has occurred at this location has involved individuals who were known to each other. In fact, the two offenders today knew each and have had a previous altercation, but neither party was cooperative with the police department’s investigation. These were NOT random acts of violence, and there is no indication that there is a broader threat to our community.

However, we understand the concern and fear that these incidents can create. We hear your cries that some community members do not feel safe, and I want to assure you that we do not take these situations lightly. Our top priority is to ensure that all residents feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

Following the incident, I personally met with the management at this location to implement a comprehensive plan of action aimed at deterring future criminal activity and ensuring that our community feels safe and secure. The steps we are taking are as follows:

1. Increased Law Enforcement Patrols –

We will be increasing our law enforcement presence in the area to actively deter criminal activity and provide a stronger sense of security to the community.

2.Enhanced Security Measures –

The business has agreed to install new surveillance cameras and improve the lighting around the property, which will increase visibility and help prevent crime.

3. Staff Training –

The business will also provide additional training for their staff, focusing on effective crowd control and de-escalation strategies, to help manage situations safely.

4. Private Security Partnership –

The business has contracted a private security company, which will work directly alongside the Vicksburg Police Department to further enhance security and ensure a coordinated approach to maintaining safety.

We also ask for the continued support and engagement of our community. If you see something, say something. Your involvement is vital in helping us prevent and address criminal behavior. By working together, we can ensure that our community remains a safe place for all.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Sincerely,

Chief Jones

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