At least 16 rounds were fired between a Commerce resident and Cooper resident as a result of a Facebook feud on last Thursday, in the northwest part of Cooper.
A significant amount of drugs was seized during the arrest of one of the suspected Cooper shooters.
At approximately 2:16 p.m. in the 300 block of Marshall Street just a few blocks behind the jail, Delta County Sergeant Charla Anderson heard the barrage of gunfire and Delta County law enforcement officers and the Texas Ranger immediately responded to the scene. All suspects had fled the scene but were shortly rounded up during a manhunt.
“This type crime will not be tolerated in Delta County,” stated Delta County Sheriff Ricky Smith, with great concern. “We are extremely fortunate that someone was not killed or injured.”
Dante Crosby of Commerce, Texas was identified as one of the shooters and charged with Deadly Conduct by Discharging a Firearm which is a third degree felony. Three other Commerce residents were also arrested but later released with no charges. Carey Johnson of Cooper was arrested along with the Commerce residents and charged with Interference of Public Duties.
Terrance Biggers of Cooper was also arrested as a result of the shooting. Biggers was identified as one of the Cooper shooters by witnesses. Five 380 caliber empty shell casing were found at the scene but this weapon has not been recovered. During the arrest Biggers was found in possession of drugs and is currently charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance which is a Second Degree felony with other charges still pending.
Two of the weapons later recovered near Klondike had been reported stolen out of Greenville.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that another shooter from Cooper may have been involved in the incident and that the investigation is still in process. Those involved in the investigation included Sheriff Ricky Smith, Chief Deputy Donnie Willingham, Texas Ranger Laura Simmons, Investigator Charles Herford, Sergeant Charla Anderson, Deputy Ryan Brown and Deputy Adam Hall.
“This is a significant incident which creates a great deal of concern for our agency,” said Sheriff Smith. “Not only were there several involved in the altercation that could have been harmed, there were several innocent persons including children in the yards of neighboring houses that could have been the victim of this crime. We were able to quickly identify those responsible and it is our intent to hold them fully accountable for their actions.”