On Wednesday at approximately 1:30 p.m. investigators G.L. Williams and O.L. Wiltsie arrested and charged Marckeist Tierell Johnson, 20, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault with a deadly weapon, going armed to the terror of the people and discharging a firearm within the city limits.
Chief Chuck Hasty this morning said the charges reflect Johnson allegedly fired shots but it is not believed the shots he fired struck anyone.
Police are still trying to determine who fired shots which struck a victim,Hasty said.
Captain Bobby Martin also confirmed investigators still seek information on the person who fired shots injuring a victim.
Previous charges filed in the case tie the party to gang activity and its reputed organizer not only was charged with contributing to delinquency of a minor but soliciting gang activity. Emya Boothe has a May 21 court date on those charges.
Martin said the police department stands by the gang charge lodged against Boothe. “We don’t think it was a gang initiation party, but it was something more than a Christmas party,” he said today, declining to elaborate.
Police said in January both Bloods and Crips attended the party at AMVETS Post 320 and have also said children between the ages of 14 and 18 attended the party and drank alcohol and smoked marijuana.
Investigators have also said some of the children at the party either associated with gang members or were gang members.
Johnson received a $1,000 bond and May 9 court date.
As police continue to track the shooter in the case, anyone with information is encouraged to call Investigator Williams at 252-533-2821 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.
Johnson’s arrest brings the total people arrested in the case to three.
https://rrspin.com/roanoke-rapids-weldon-halifax-county-nc-news/item/16089-two-charged-as-amvets-shooting-probe-continues.html
