PANAMA CITY BEACH — Police have made four arrests and released more information regarding the March 29 Pier Park shooting and an unrelated April 3 shooting.
According to a press release, on March 29, Panama City Beach police officers responded to reports of shots fired at Pier Park. Officers already were in the vicinity managing large crowds during spring break.
The investigation indicated that the shooting incident stemmed from a conflict between two rival gangs from the Dothan, Alabama area. Three people were injured.
Following the investigation, which included a review of video surveillance footage, three suspects were apprehended and charged:
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Kevin Tyrone Moore, 18, from Dothan, charged with three counts of attempted homicide.
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A 15-year-old teen from Dothan, also charged with attempted homicide.
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A 17-year-old teen from Troy, Alabama, charged with possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a controlled substance (cannabis, approximately 68 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Because of the younger teens’ ages, the News Herald is not publishing their names.
“Moore and (the younger juvenile) were arrested by the U.S Marshals Fugitive Task Force with the assistance of the Dothan Police Department,” a police news release says. “We greatly appreciate the support and collaboration provided by both agencies in apprehending these suspects swiftly and safely.”
The 17-year-old defendant voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Troy, police said.
“We located at least three victims who were injured by the gunfire,” Panama City Beach Police Chief, J.R. Talamantez said during an April 4 press conference. “The victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and they are going to be okay.”
“The stupidity that you do at your home is not how (you) operate at our home,” Talamantez added. “I don’t know how many times we have to address that this is not the place for this type of behavior. If you commit a crime in Panama City Beach, we will hold you accountable.”
This investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected.
There was another Panama City Beach shooting on April 3 during an event for patrons of all ages. No one was injured.
At approximately 11:16 p.m., the Panama City Beach Police Department arrested Isaiah Tyshawn McKenzie, 18, in connection with that shooting incident, which happened outside of Hammerhead Fred’s.
According to police, their investigation revealed that patrons inside the building believed someone near the restroom area might have a firearm. (As of April 4 police had not confirmed the actual presence of a firearm inside the establishment.)
People concerned about the possible gun fled the building. “Simultaneously, officers heard four gunshots from the vicinity of the parking lot of Hammerhead Fred’s,” a police news release says. “Officers swiftly responded and apprehended McKenzie, who was located in a vehicle nearby.”
According to police, McKenzie told his companions something about firing his gun to scare the crowd.
“The only explanation he provided was that he ‘didn’t know why he did it’ and maybe he just wanted to ‘scare the crowd a little bit more,’ ” Talamantez said at the news conference. “That’s the kind of people we are dealing with, stupid and idiotic. No reason at all, just to scare some more people, but he will be held accountable.”
McKenzie has been charged with:
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Discharging a Firearm in Public from a Vehicle.
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Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony.
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Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.
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Carrying a Concealed Firearm.
McKenzie was transported to the Bay County Jail following his arrest.
Also at the news conference, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford spoke against those accused of breaking the law.
“Our community is tired of this,” Ford said. “This is not the place to do this. This community has been through a lot in relation to the crimes you see before you today. Do not come down here with the intent to do criminal activity.
Previous coverage: Panama City Beach Police Department investigates March 29 shootings at Pier Park
“I’ve got plenty of room at the jail, and we’ve got the technology to know when you’re in Bay County,” Ford added. “It is going to be a bad weekend for you if you come to Bay County and commit crimes.”
Mayor Stuart Tettemer spoke passionately about the recent arrests.
“These people need to find God and repent,” Tettemer said. “If you come to Panama City Beach and you cause problems, we will catch you, arrest you, prosecute you, and send you to jail. We have the tools, technology, and most importantly, the people to keep this community safe.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach has had it with lawbreakers: ‘Find God and repent.’
