The Newton Police Department and Newton County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a shooting Sunday night at the Newton Citgo Quick Food Mart No. 2, in which opposing parties exchanged gunfire and three people were injured.
Newton County Sheriff Joedy Pennington said the incident occurred at 8:50 p.m. And he confirmed that the incident was gang-related.
Pennington said “two parties” were shooting outside the gas station near the gas pumps.
“There were at least 48 rounds shot,” Pennington said. “One person was taken to the hospital. He was treated and released. Two others were treated for minor injuries.”
Pennington said one suspect is in custody within seven minutes of the incident. A second suspect was arrested at 2 p.m. Monday. They were looking for at least one additional suspect. He did not release the identities of the suspects as no formal charges were filed as of Monday morning.
“I cannot release any additional information until we get the other suspects in custody,” Pennington said.
Newton Police initially responded to the call. Pennington said Newton has since turned the case over to the Sheriff’s Department.
Currently, Newton Police is without a permanent chief with the dismissal Harvey Curry last week. Assistant Chief Johnny Martin is the acting chief until new police chief Randy Patrick starts in February.
Pennington said he will continue to work to stop any gang-related activity in the county.
“We are not going to tolerate any gang-related activity in Newton County,” Pennington said. “That includes the City of Newton. We will enforce the laws, and we will work to stop any gang activity in this county.”
Pennington said the City of Newton will continue its regular patrols, but he said the Sheriff’s Department would be stepping up its assistance.
