Panama City Beach – Police have made four arrests and released more information about Pier Park’s shooting on March 29 and unrelated shooting on April 3.
According to a press release, on March 29, Panama City Beach police officers responded to reports of shots fired at Pier Park. During the spring vacation, there were already officers near large crowds.
The investigation shows that the shooting incident stems from a conflict between two rival bands from the Dotan region, Alabama. Three people were injured.
Following the investigation, which included a review of video surveillance footage, three suspects were detained and charged:
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Kevin Tyren Moore18, by Dotan, charged with three charges of attempted murder.
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A 15-year-old teenager by Dotan, also accused of attempting murder.
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A The 17-year-old teenager from Troy, Alabama, accused of possessing a firing weapon by a minor, possessing a controlled substance (cannabis, approximately 68 grams) and possession of drugs.
Due to the age of the younger teens, News Herald does not publish their names.
“Moore and (the younger minor) were arrested by the US Marshall Operational Group with the help of Dotan Police Department,” police said. “We significantly evaluate the support and cooperation provided by the two agencies in the detention of these suspects quickly and safely.”
The 17-year-old defendant voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Troy, police said.
“We found at least three victims who were injured by the shooting,” said Panama City Beach police chief, Jr Talamantez during a press conference on April 4. “Victims have suffered life -threatening injuries and they will deal with.”
“The stupidity you do in your home is not how (you) work in our home,” Talamantes added. “I do not know how many times we should turn to the fact that this is not the place for this type of behavior. If you commit a crime in Panama City Beach, we will keep you responsible.”
This investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected.
On April 3, there was another shooting in Panama City Beach during an event for patrons of all ages. No one was injured.
Approximately 11:16 pm, Panama City Police Administration arrested Isaiah Taishan McKenzi, 18, in connection with this firing incident that happened outside Hammerhead Fred’s.
According to police, the investigation revealed that patrons in the building believe that someone near the toilet area may have a firearm. (As of April 4, the police did not confirm the actual presence of a firearm inside the establishment.)
The people concerned about the pistol, escaped the building. “At the same time, the officers have heard four rifles from the proximity to the Hammerhead’s Fred parking lot,” a police said. “Employees quickly reacted and detained McKenzi, who was in a vehicle nearby.”
According to police, McKenzie told his comrades something about his shooting with his gun to scare the crowd.
“The only explanation he provided was that” he didn’t know why he did it “and maybe he just wanted to” scare the crowd a little more, “Talamantes said at a press conference. “These are the people we deal with, stupid and idiotic. There is no reason at all, just to scare a few more people, but he will be held accountable.”
Mckenzie has been charged with:
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Disposal of firearms in public from a vehicle.
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Possession of a firearm when committing a crime.
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Incorrect exhibition of firearms.
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Carrying a hidden firearm.
McKenzi was transported to Bay district prison after his arrest.
Also at the press conference, the sheriff of the Bay Tommy Ford district spoke against the accused of violating the law.
“Our community is tired of this,” Ford said. “This is not the place for this. This community has experienced a lot in connection with the crimes you see before you today. Do not go down here with the intention of committing criminal activity.
Previous coverage: Police Department in Panama City Beach is investigating March 29 at Pier Park
“I have a lot of place in prison and we have the technology to know when you are in Bay County,” Ford added. “This will be a bad weekend for you if you come to Bay County and commit crimes.”
Mayor Stuart Tetter spoke passionate about recent arrests.
“These people have to find God and repent,” Teller said. “If you come to the beach of Panama City and create problems, we will catch you, arrest you, pursue you and send you to prison. We have tools, technology and most importantly – people keep this community safe.”
This article originally appeared at The News Herald: Panama City Beach has it with violators of the law: “Find God and repent.”