Crime
Second Teen Arrested in Senior Skip Day Homicide at Newton County Park
Covington, GA – A second teenager has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a student at Denny Dobbs Park during a Senior Skip Day gathering last week, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
Tashshawn Lyons, 17, of Conyers, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a minor, and reckless conduct.
Authorities revealed that Lyons, a student at Salem High School, sustained injuries while fleeing the scene and was hospitalized prior to his arrest.
He is currently in custody at the Newton County Detention Center.
This latest arrest follows the March 21 apprehension of Jarvis Hinton Jr., 16, of Covington, who faces identical charges.
Hinton is a student at Newton High School, according to officials.
Deputies responded to Denny Dobbs Park just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered Justin Etienne suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, authorities determined that multiple student witnesses provided misleading information regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
Initially, some statements falsely suggested that Etienne was involved in the altercation, but investigators confirmed that he was an innocent bystander when the shooting occurred.
Law enforcement officials worked through conflicting testimonies, executed search warrants, and gathered critical evidence, ultimately leading to the arrests of Hinton and Lyons.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.