Shooter in Northpark shooting shot self in hip, four in custody

RIDGELAND-A Yazoo County gunshot wound victim who shot himself in the hip was among four individuals arrested this week for their involvement in a fracas in which one gunshot went off at Northpark Mall this weekend, Chief Brian Myers said.

“This behavior will not be tolerated in Ridgeland,” Myers said.

The man, James Earl Cole, Jr., 20, of 233 Magnolia Drive, Yazoo City, turned himself in to Ridgeland Police on Wednesday, Aug. 16. He has been charged with discharging a fire arm within the city limits, carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Bond has been set at $11,000 total for Cole. He has a court date set for September 26.

Three others also turned themselves in relation to the shooting incident:

• Kyandre Rahkeem Harris, 22, of 500 Campbell Street, Yazoo city, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing and disorderly conduct. His bond has been set at $8,500.
• Jamari Jaquez Brown, 24, of 1998 Gordon Avenue, Yazoo City was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing and disorderly conduct. His bond has been set at $8,500. Brown turned himself in on Aug. 15.
• Jalen Deonte Carter, 20, of 250 Ridgewood Road, Yazoo City was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing and disorderly conduct. His bond has been set at $8,500. Carter was the last to turn himself in on Wednesday.

All four have a court date set for September 26.

“This is an ongoing investigation and we will update all media outlets as information becomes available,” Myers said.

The warrants stem from an incident reported on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 4:13 p.m. when RPD officers were dispatched to Northpark after 911 calls in reference to a fight with possible shots fired, Myers said. Upon arrival, eyewitnesses advised that a group of six young men began fighting in the Food Court and one shot was fired.  

The situation was brought under control promptly and part of Northpark was closed until the scene could be processed and cleared, according to Myers. One bystander was injured but refused medical treatment.  

Ridgeland PD was later advised that an individual had arrived at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Yazoo City with a gunshot wound to the hip. The victim would later be identified as Cole. Investigators responded and spoke with Cole with the assistance of Yazoo City Police Department personnel. Myers said the investigation then issued the warrants on the four young men.

Myers said officers are working with mall personnel to ensure Northpark Mall is a safe place to shop.

“Northpark is a major shopping destination in the State of Mississippi and the men and women of the Ridgeland Police Department remain dedicated to the safety of shoppers at Northpark,” Myers said.