PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WDNews) — A Dothan man and four juveniles from the Wiregrass area are facing serious charges after two separate shooting incidents rattled spring breakers in Panama City Beach.
On Thursday night, 19-year-old Isaiah Tyshawn McKenzie of Dothan was arrested after police say he fired several rounds into the air from a vehicle in the parking lot of Longboard’s restaurant. Witnesses say the shots came just after a disturbance was reported near Hammerhead Fred’s.
Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said the shooting “resulted in a bunch of scared children.” McKenzie was stopped by officers a short distance away and taken into custody. He’s now facing charges of discharging a firearm from a vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon. No injuries were reported in that shooting.
In a separate incident on Saturday at Pier Park, three people were hospitalized after gunfire erupted during another spring break weekend crowd. Authorities say that shooting involved Dothan teens believed to be part of rival gangs.
Kevin Tyrone Moore, 18, has been charged with three counts of attempted homicide. Jamarion Lamont Baker, 15, faces one count of attempted homicide. Avaughn Ahmad Brown, 17, was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and drug possession.
During a press conference, Chief Talamantez didn’t hold back, saying, “This trash that comes from that area,” referring to the Dothan suspects, while adding, “there are wonderful people in the Dothan area.” He went on to say, “I’m not even going to mention the gang’s name, they don’t deserve recognition.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate both shootings. A full video of the press conference is available below.
