Published: August 03, 2009 11:08 pm      

Sheriff’s Department investigates Rusk shooting

by Nathan Straus

nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com



The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting that took place outside a home near Rusk. The incident happened Sunday morning at approximately 1:30 am.

Department Chief Investigator Chris White said the shooting is part of an ongoing dispute between the residents of the home on FM 241, where the shooting occured, and residents of the Alto and Wells area. The identities of all involved have not been revealed as of Monday afternoon.

“There was a verbal and physical altercation Friday night and several phone and text communications between them on Saturday,” White said. “Deputies were trying to calm the situation all day Saturday.”

Early Sunday morning, two trucks with two to three individuals in each one drove up to the FM 241 residence, identified by White as the Westbrook residence.

“Once they arrived there it is believed they exited and threatened the residents,” White said. “A family member of the homeowner’s allegedly fired several rounds from a semi automatic rifle, an AR 15.”

Two individuals from the Alto and Wells group sustained minor injuries, though it isn’t clear at this time whether the injuries were from the gunfire or another source. Both trucks left the scene and law enforcement officers arrived.

Five investigators, White, four deputies, a highway patrol officer and a Rusk police officer responded to the scene. The individuals from Alto and Wells were charged with various class C misdemeanors including public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

“The individual who fired the weapon is in communication with the DA to determine whether the shooting was justified,” White said.

He also said he believed all individuals admitted to the county jail were released on bond.

White said he will divulge more information as the details are released.