Authorities in Sumter County have moved swiftly, making three arrests in connection with a recent aggravated assault case which left one person shot. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) charged Ashton Pride, 20, from Smithville, and Arderion Jones, 17, from Americus, with multiple counts, including aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Micah Stephens, 19, also from Americus, faces charges of being a party to the crime of aggravated assault. The information comes from a GBI press release dated yesterday.
The investigation began in the aftermath of an incident on August 2, when Americus Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on Knollwood Drive. Upon arrival, officers found D’Shawndra Morris, of Desoto, reportedly suffering from a gunshot wound. Local emergency services provided aid before Morris was transported to Phoebe Sumter Hospital and later to Phoebe Putney in Albany.
In a collaborative effort which included the Regional Investigative Office in Americus, the Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the West Georgia Gang Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Pride was arrested on Friday, August 8. Stephens was arrested later that same day by the Americus Police Department. Two days later, additional law enforcement agencies, including the Smithville Police, alongside GBI agents, apprehended Jones.
The GBI has stated that this is an active and ongoing investigation. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and reach out to the GBI Regional Investigative Office at 229-931-2439. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online, or through the 'See Something, Send Something' mobile application. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be handed over to the Southwestern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
