One Dead, Another Injured After Gunmen Open Fire on Crowd in Prichard

PRICHARD, AL (BuzzReport) — A late-night gathering near a popular food truck location turned deadly early Sunday morning after multiple masked gunmen allegedly opened fire into a crowd, leaving one man dead and another wounded, according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 3:45 a.m. to reports of multiple shots fired near Fry Daddy, located at 405 S. Wilson Avenue in Prichard. What they found upon arrival was a chaotic crime scene that has now become the focus of an active homicide investigation.

Investigators said Deonti Charly was discovered behind the business near a vacant building in the 400 block of East Main Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, Charly was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities later learned that a second victim, identified as Ken Reed, had been transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle before deputies arrived. Reed also suffered multiple gunshot wounds but is expected to survive. Officials said his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, along with crime scene investigators, responded to both the shooting scene and the hospital to collect evidence and begin interviewing witnesses.

According to investigators, the crime scene revealed the intensity of the gunfire. Detectives recovered approximately 25 spent shell casings, along with a firearm and a cellphone believed to be connected to the investigation. Charly’s tan 2006 Ford Taurus was also impounded as investigators continue processing evidence.

Preliminary witness statements indicate that a large crowd had gathered around the food trucks when multiple masked individuals approached and suddenly opened fire into the crowd without warning. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunfire before seeing a light-colored SUV, possibly a Jeep or Dodge Durango, speeding away eastbound on East Main Street.

Investigators have since obtained surveillance footage from nearby businesses and are working to collect additional video from surrounding properties. While authorities say the actual shooting was not captured on the available footage, detectives are reviewing all evidence in hopes of identifying those responsible.

The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been announced.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could assist investigators to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office at 251-574-8633. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the department’s online crime tip system.

As detectives continue their investigation, the deadly shooting serves as another reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the region and the devastating impact it leaves on families and communities.