DPD makes arrests in downtown shooting rampage

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 18, 2008

DEMOPOLIS &8212; Police officials arrested four juveniles ages 16 and 17 on Friday in connection with the rash of shootings last week that caused an estimated $30,000 in damages.

The shootings, which took place between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9, resulted in 11 different vehicles being damaged by shotgun blasts.

According to a release sent out last week by Public Safety Director Jeff Manuel, the vehicles damaged were located on at least eight different streets in the city limits. No people were reportedly injured.

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The four juveniles arrested in connection with the case were taken to the Marengo County Detention Center. It is unclear if they are still being held there.

Manuel said the four were charged with four counts of criminal mischief in the first degree, seven counts of criminal mischief in the second degree and one count of criminal mischief in the third degree.

In the state of Alabama, criminal mischief in the first degree &8212; which is defined as damage to property in excess of $2,500 &8212; is considered a Class C felony and can carry a jail sentence of up to 10 years.

The two lesser charges &8212; criminal mischief in the second degree and criminal mischief in the third degree &8212; are both misdemeanors, but can still hold up to a one year, or six month jail sentence, respectively.