A fistfight in Adams County's Lagrange community turned into a hail of gunfire this week, leaving deputies with 22 spent shell casings, one man behind bars and another still on the run. One man was arrested and another is wanted on aggravated assault charges after the exchange of gunfire, according to reports on the incident.
Deputies responded around 4:19 p.m. on Friday to the area of James Brown Avenue and Lagrange Road after reports of shots fired, according to WTOK. Investigators said an argument between 19-year-old Jadavis L. Galtney of Fayette and 36-year-old Robert Belton Jr. escalated into a physical fight before the two men exchanged gunfire.
Gunman Allegedly Retrieved a Weapon Before Returning to the Scene
Investigators alleged that Galtney left the area to retrieve a firearm from a residence on Lotus Drive before heading back to the Lagrange community, where gunfire broke out between him and Belton, according to the Natchez Democrat. By the time the shooting stopped, deputies recovered 22 spent shell casings at the scene, the station's report notes, underscoring just how much gunfire erupted in the residential area.
Galtney was later detained and arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held at the Adams County Jail without bond pending arraignment, per the same account from WTOK. An arrest warrant has since been issued for Belton on the same charge, and he remains at large as of Sunday.
Sheriff's Office Warns Public Not to Approach Belton
Authorities have asked anyone with information about Belton's whereabouts to contact the Adams County Sheriff's Office at 601-442-2752. The warning came with an explicit caution to the public: do not approach or attempt to apprehend Belton, according to WAPT.
The case involves an aggravated assault charge with a deadly weapon. The case remains active as deputies continue searching for Belton, with no update yet on whether additional charges or an arraignment date have been set.
