By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — A suspect wanted in connection with a Monday morning shooting on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue is now in custody, according to the Ozark Police Department.
Officials announced Monday evening that Jerome Darnell Johnson, 38, has been located and arrested after initially fleeing the scene earlier in the day. Additional details regarding the arrest and any formal charges have not yet been released.
The arrest follows a shooting reported at approximately 11:30 a.m. on March 30 in the 700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Ozark Police officers, along with members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene in reference to a firearm assault.
Upon arrival, authorities found that one male subject had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was reported to be conscious during transport. His identity and current condition have not been made public.
Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between two individuals. Johnson was identified as the suspect shortly after the incident and was believed to have fled the area, prompting a search throughout the Ozark and Clio communities. Authorities had previously warned that he was considered armed and dangerous.
With Johnson now in custody, officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
It is the Dale County Chronicle’s general policy to include the following statement on all news reports involving arrests or allegations of criminal behavior: In our criminal justice system, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
