Crime
Video shows moments shots fired during Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
UPDATE: New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that an 18-year-old from Corydon, Bryce Gerlach, was tragically killed in the shooting.
Two other victims, a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, were also wounded and remain hospitalized.
Chief Bailey confirmed that all three victims were innocent bystanders who were not involved in the dispute that led to the shooting.
Multiple gunshots were reported at 9:53 PM in the area of State and Black streets, as well as near the carnival and ride area of the festival.
Witnesses have indicated that there were likely multiple shooters firing from different locations, possibly at least two.
Investigators initially believed the shots were fired from the area behind the Scribner House and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA.
However, they now believe there may have been another shooter within the carnival area.
The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between at least two groups of individuals, all described as Black males in their late teens to early 20s. Following the incident, all suspects fled the scene.
The police chief noted that despite the proximity of multiple employees, police officers, and security personnel to the shooting area, they were able to quickly initiate life-saving measures for the injured.
Several “persons of interest” have been identified, but further details about them are unavailable as the investigation continues.
Chief Bailey emphasized that the suspects should still be considered at large and pose a risk to the public. He described their actions as reckless and dangerous, and urged the community to remain vigilant.
As soon as positive identifications are made, the police department will release that information publicly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
New Albany, Indiana – A tragic shooting incident occurred during the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany on Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The shooting took place just after 9:50 PM near the intersection of State Street and Black Street, close to the festival rides.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that one person died at the scene, while two others were transported to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Authorities have identified a suspect as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie.
He is believed to be armed and dangerous and remains at large.
The festival shares a parking lot with the YMCA, which can be seen in the background of a photo taken at the scene.
Hundreds of children were attending the festival and were exposed to the trauma of the shooting, which occurred just after 9:50 PM near State Street and Black Street. Parents and other festival-goers were also deeply affected by the incident.
This tragic event highlights the vulnerability of large public gatherings and the potential for violence to occur even in seemingly safe environments. The shooting occurred within the context of the festival, making everyone present an opportune target.
The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to contact them at 812-944-6411.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.