Suspect Arrested After Two Nights of Gunfire at Area Businesses

Creola, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A Prichard man is behind bars after police say a series of heated arguments escalated into gunfire at multiple locations over two consecutive nights, putting innocent bystanders at risk.

Creola Police have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Jarad Williams, who was arrested and booked into the Mobile Metro Jail on January 5. Williams faces charges of reckless endangerment and two counts of shooting into an occupied building or vehicle.

According to investigators, Williams allegedly fired shots following verbal confrontations in two different stores on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

On Christmas Day, officers responded to the Raceway gas station on Highway 43. Creola Police Chief Shane Stringersaid Williams entered the store, purchased Copenhagen dip, and exchanged words with another customer he did not know. Moments later, police say Williams walked to an SUV parked at a gas pump, retrieved a handgun, and opened fire on the vehicle.

Chief Stringer confirmed that multiple people were inside the SUV at the time of the shooting. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.

Even more troubling, authorities say the incident was not isolated.

The night before, on Christmas Eve, a similar confrontation reportedly unfolded at a Dollar General in nearby Satsuma. Satsuma Police Chief Troy Wilcutt said Williams argued with someone inside the store, then followed that person to Generations Church on Bayou Avenue, where he allegedly fired shots.

No injuries were reported in that incident either.

Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the shootings, and officials say additional charges could be possible as the case develops.