Two men from Philadelphia, Mississippi, have been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred late on the night of Sunday, Dec. 29 on Mason Street, according to the Union Police Department.
Andrew Devlin Sincere Carter, 21, was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at his residence on Valley View Drive by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, with support from the Union Police Department and the City of Philadelphia Police Department. Authorities recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during the operation.
Quorzaus Ja'Tece Black, 18, also of Philadelphia, surrendered himself to authorities at the Union Police Department shortly afterward.
Both men have been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and were transported to the Newton County Jail. Police said the charges stem from an exchange of gunfire between vehicles traveling along Martin Luther King Drive in Union. While one vehicle was struck by gunfire, no injuries were reported.
Assistant Chief of Police Mitch Kennedy stated that the arrests are a significant development in the ongoing investigation. "Our investigator, Officer Grimes, recovered a lot of good evidence at the scene, and we are very confident that additional arrests are going to be made," Kennedy said.
Authorities believe that Carter and Black are not the only individuals involved in the shooting. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Union Police Department at (601) 774-9211.
The Union Police Department expressed gratitude to Chief Eric Lyons and the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, for their assistance in the case. Investigator Grimes also thanked members of the public for their tips and support, which have been instrumental in the investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:53 p.m. on December 29, 2024, when shots were fired near the corner of Mason Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Police had initially described the suspect vehicle as a Black Nissan Altima with a blackout tag, occupied by two individuals, including a slender Black male driving the car.
As the investigation continues, police are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any further information that may assist in bringing all suspects to justice. Updates will be provided as new details emerge.
