The Clarksdale Police Department is looking for those responsible for shooting a Clarksdale man who told police gunfire came out of nowhere on one of the city's main streets and hit him.
The incident occurred last week on Thursday, Feb. 1, and was discovered after officers responded to Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale about a patient suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim told police he in the 300 block of Madison Street whern he heard shots fired and was struck by gunfire. Police reports said the man did not see a vehicle pass or anyone in the area when he was hit by the bullet.
Police did not give the name, age, hometown or a possible motive for the shooting. Police did not say if there were witnesses, how the man was brought to the hospital, if they have developed a suspect or if they had made an arrest. Police also did not say if the incident was under investigation.
The victim was flown to Memphis for further treatment.
The incident was listed as an aggravated assault.
Aggravated assault is defined as injury or threat to a person to make them fear for their life or assault with a weapon.
It is punishable by up to 20-years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An adult who assaults a juvenile can find the penalty enhanced to 30-years in prison.
Aggravated assault is a felony and shooting into a home can also be deemed a felony if prosecutors and judges wish to pursue it.
If police determine the shooting was premeditated the charge could be upgraded to attempted murder.
Attempted murder is just that, an attempt to murder somebody.
This charge is reserved for people who unsuccessfully try to kill another person and, for whatever reason, the murder didn’t happen, and even though the alleged perpetrator didn’t actually take someone’s life, they've still committed a very serious crime.
Attempted murder carries a minimum 20-year sentence in Mississippi and can result in a life sentence.
Anyone with details about this crime, or any felony in Clarksdale, is asked to contact the Clarksdale Police Department at 621-8156, or simply dial 911. All calls remain anonymous and cash is paid to those providing information that leads to solving a crime.
