Two Laurel teens face aggravated assault charges following a shooting Saturday night at the South Mississippi Fairgrounds

From the Jones County Sheriff's Department

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) – Two Laurel teenagers have been charged with aggravated assault after a third teenager was injured in a shooting Saturday night at the South Mississippi Fairgrounds.

Akealeis McKensie and Jailen Shade, both 18, are incarcerated at the Jones County Adult Detention Center.

“Both suspects were arrested by PROtec Security officers within minutes of the shooting following a foot chase,” Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin said Sunday morning. “Both suspects were then taken into custody by JCSD deputies and are currently being held … pending their initial appearance in Jones County Justice Court.”

Berlin said the wounded male teenager was being treated at a local hospital and was reportedly in stable condition.

Berlin praised the response of first responders and bystanders during the incident.

“Many stories will emerge from this incident about the heroism and kindness of emergency responders and civilians who stood up for fairgoers who had fled the scene,” Berlin said. “We greatly appreciate the support of all the agencies and individuals who responded last night.”

JCSD said the incident remains under investigation.

Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2024 WDAM. All rights reserved.