Selma Police nab suspected shooter
Published 9:28 pm Friday, December 30, 2011
For investigators with the Selma Police Department there are a lot more unanswered questions than answered ones following a hectic shooting on Highland Avenue Friday afternoon.
Shortly after 4 p.m., officers responded to shots being fired in the parking lot near KFC’s location. The shooting appears to have started behind the restaurant and then continued around the store.
According to early reports from investigators, a suspect fired “several” times into a Honda Accord driven by an unidentified and unknown victim.
The shooting continued as the car drove around the store before it collided with white Ford Explorer, investigators said.
The car, now with severe damage and several bullet holes, came to a stop just past the restaurant’s drive-thru lane.
It was there, Lt. Michael Harris with the Selma Police Department said, the victim jumped out of the car and fled.
“Right now we do not know who the victim is. We have some names and strong leads of who it might be, but right now we have not located that individual,” Harris said. “Our primary concern is finding the victim and make sure they are not injured.”
Harris said the car did not show any signs the driver of the car was injured in the shooting, but investigators don’t know for sure.
“We have not found any evidence yet that would show that anyone was injured,” Harris said.
“There are a lot of holes in the car, but we do not have any bloodstains or anything else to show someone was injured. But, it is a possibility.”
The suspect, who police have identified as 19-year-old Alphonsia Lewis, was interviewed by investigators and charged Friday evening with two counts of discharging a weapon into an unoccupied vehicle.
He is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail with no bond.
Lt. John King said the investigation continues and when investigators are able to get more information from witnesses and the victim, the charges currently filed on Lewis will likely change.
Officers were able to take Lewis into custody moments after the shooting after he fled the scene and was found walking along the sidewalk in front of nearby stores.
Harris said some early evidence shows the suspect and the victim likely knew one another and had a previous history, which could have led to the shooting.
“A lot of times this is what happens when these guys are into it with each other, they don’t care where they are, who gets caught in the crossfire,” Harris said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-44CRIME (442-7463).