Four people were injured and two suspects are in custody after a shooting Monday morning at a Sonic Drive-In in Monticello, authorities said.
Monticello Police Chief Sterling Allen said the incident began about 10:58 a.m. April 6 when he received a call about an active shooter at the Sonic on F.E. Sellers Drive. “As I exited the police department, I heard what no law enforcement officer ever wants to hear… gunfire,” Allen said in a statement.
Officers with the Monticello Police Department and deputies from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes, secured the scene and rendered aid to victims, Allen said. Four people were struck by gunfire; their conditions have not been released. Monticello Mayor Justin Mullins said the shooting stemmed from an argument between groups that escalated into gunfire. No bystanders were reported injured, and officials said multiple nearby businesses were also hit by gunfire.
Emergency responders from several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Monticello Fire Department, Lawrence County Volunteer Fire Department, Life Guard Ambulance Service and Med Air; witnesses said a helicopter landed nearby. State and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are involved in the investigation. Allen said two arrests have been made and additional arrests are expected; he urged anyone with information to call the Monticello Police Department at 601-587-7732. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
