Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson says it was never determined where gunfire originated from when a dispute between two groups of juveniles resulted in two vehicles chasing a third Monday night.
Dodson says the gunshots were heard in the area of the 1200 block of McKee Street, but no firm conclusion was ever reached on if those in one of the vehicles were responsible for the gunfire or if it came from a nearby house. No damage could be found from gunshots. Dodson said there were also varying stories if one or more shots were fired.
A passenger in one of the chase vehicles, 20-year-old Arthur Scott of St. Louis was arrested for possession of a stolen weapon when a gun was found near him that he admitted belonged to him. It was later determined the gun had been stolen in Missouri. However, Dodson says the investigation showed the gun had not been fired in the dispute.
Another passenger, 38-year-old Antonio Jackson of Centralia, was given a notice to appear on a misdemeanor charge of possession of a firearm without a fire owner’s identification card.
A total of 11 were brought to the police station for questioning following the incident around nine Monday night. Most were juveniles.
Bond for Scott was set at $10,000 during his first appearance in Marion County Court on Tuesday. The public defender was appointed to represent him.
