Three suspects tied to shooting on Hardie Avenue in jail; four at large
Published 10:57 pm Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Three of seven suspects believed to have been tied to shootings on Hardie Avenue last Wednesday are now in custody as one more turned himself in to authorities Tuesday afternoon. With the suspect in custody, authorities now are turning their attention to the four remaining suspects who remain at large.
James Cantrell Bender, 20, reportedly surrendered to Selma Police officials Tuesday and is one of seven suspects who police believe to be involved with the shootings. Bender was placed under arrest and placed in the Dallas County Jail under a $2.7 million bond, charged with attempt to commit murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied building and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle.
Ernest Bernard Gunn and Theodore Thespian Stallworth — two other suspects in the case — also remain at the Dallas County Jail, both under a $2.7 million bond. They were arrested Friday.
Police are still searching for Kenyada Dukes, Lamarious Prince, William Earl Calhoun and Darryl Dewayne Johnson who are all believed to be involved with the incident.
“We want everyone to know that we’re looking for these guys and they’re dangerous,” said Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley. “A lot of this will depend on citizens doing their part, and that’s calling the police if they know where these guys are laying their heads or hanging out.”
While many calls have been made to the department with tips regarding these individuals, Riley said he believes two of the suspects may have left the state.
“We have received information that one or two of these suspects might have fled the state, so we’re trying to run that down as well,” he said.
Police officers were dispatched to 2300 block of Hardie Avenue at around 6 p.m. last Wednesday after several calls were made of shots fired. According to Riley, prior to the officers’ arrival, a group of individuals were standing in a nearby yard being “loud and arguing.”
“This went on for a brief moment when several of the individuals retrieved handguns and semi-automatic rifles and started shooting in the neighborhood,” Riley said in a previous interview with the Times-Journal.
During the shooting, several occupied homes and buildings were hit, Riley said, adding that thankfully no one was injured in the incident.
“We’re hoping that between our search and the public’s, we’ll be able to locate the remaining suspects,” Riley said. “Also, if we find out someone is hiding them, we will charge them accordingly.”
Considering their suspected actions, Riley said these individuals should be regarded as dangerous.
“When you’re looking at someone who’s shooting over 50 rounds in a neighborhood, in an area where there’s children — they care nothing about the community,” he said. “We take this seriously and the community should too.”
Selma Police are asking the public to call 911 if the suspects are seen or if they have any information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects.