(MOBILE, Ala) Mobile Police have arrested a teenager for shooting another teen during the MoonPie Drop on New Year's Eve. Police arrested and charged Demarcus Johnson, 17, with assault first degree. The shooting happened in Bienville Square during a fight. The 17 year old victim was shot in the leg and has been released from the hospital.
City officials stated the incident has them looking ahead at security for future public events. Police Chief Micheal Williams and Mayor Sam Jones both stated Monday morning that violence at public events will not be tolerated.
"Any time you have an individual who will bring a gun into that kind of situation, fire a shot, not knowing where that shot was going to end up, it's vital that we take those kind of people off the streets," said Chief Williams.
Mobile Police stated the streets of downtown Mobile were heavily populated, and the shooting threatened the lives of thousands of small children and families.
"We thank God that those two shots didn't take the life of anyone," Williams said.
With popular downtown Mardi Gras parades and events underway, thousands will head in to Mobile to participate in the festivities. Mayor Sam Jones stated he will do whatever it takes to help Mobile Police protect the people.
"We told the police department that whatever we needed to do to dedicate those resources there, because we will not tolerate that in this city," said Jones.
