A Columbus man is facing felony charges after a mid-May shooting on Lakeside Drive left one person in the hospital with serious injuries, according to police. Investigators say they later identified 22-year-old Mettelus Epps as a suspect and charged him with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The gunfire was reported on May 14 in the 3600 block of Lakeside Drive, authorities said.
Police account
According to CNAW2News, officers were dispatched to the 3600 block of Lakeside Drive around 11:46 a.m. on May 14. When they arrived, they found a victim suffering from gunshot wounds who was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The Columbus Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the case, and detectives later secured warrants for Epps. Police say he was taken into custody on June 4.
Local context
Local TV coverage showed a sizable police response at the scene on May 14. WTVM reported multiple Columbus Police vehicles and crime scene tape blocking off part of the 3600 block as officers worked the case. The arrest lands amid a rough stretch of violent crime in Columbus this spring, including an April fatal shooting on Victory Drive reported by the Ledger-Enquirer.
Charges and what they mean
Police say Epps is charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, both felony offenses under Georgia law. The elements of aggravated assault are outlined in the Georgia Code, and O.C.G.A. § 16-11-106 treats having a firearm while committing certain crimes as a separate felony that can bring additional penalties. Court dates and further booking details were not included in the initial police account.
The Columbus Police Violent Crimes Unit continues to investigate, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact law enforcement. For more on the arrest and the original May 14 scene, see reporting from CNAW2News.
