Territory dispute turns deadly
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, April 26, 2011
VIDALIA — Vidalia Police believe multiple people may be responsible for an early Monday morning shooting that ended in the death of one man and the hospitalization of two others.
No arrests had been made as of late Monday night.
The incident was most likely the result of a problem officials have battled since 2007 — territory-related fights among some Vidalia residents from “uptown” and “downtown.”
Police were called to the 300 block of South Spruce Street just after 1 a.m. Monday.
Derrick Smith, 20, of Vidalia was shot one time in the left chest area. He was taken to Natchez Regional Medical Center by Metro Ambulance Service where he was later pronounced dead.
Lionell Dean, 26, of Vidalia was shot one time in the lower right chest area and is currently being treated at an area hospital.
Duntrell R. Washington, 27, of Vidalia was also struck one time in the right shoulder and was able to drive himself to an area hospital before police arrived on the scene.
VPD Chief Investigator Randy Stockman said when officers first arrived at the scene, Smith was lying on the ground on Spruce Street. Dean was inside a nearby residence.
It is unknown if the victims were armed.
Police Chief Arthur Lewis said the VPD along with help from the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office are working to find the people responsible for the shooting.
“I want to reassure the citizens of Vidalia that this department is doing everything we can to bring those responsible for this to justice and the continued safety of this community is our priority,” he said. “We pray for the family of the deceased and those injured, and we are working diligently to solve this.”
Lewis asked for help from the community to help bring the uptown/downtown dispute to an end and also asked citizens to remember to report any suspicious activity to the police department.
“Do not take it upon yourself to handle these situations, give the police department the opportunity to do our job,” he said. “It is our goal and mission to protect the citizens of Vidalia and ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally with compassion.”
“Uptown” Vidalia is on the north side of Carter Street, and reportedly ranges from the old courthouse to the river.
“Downtown” is on the south side of Carter Street, and reportedly extends from the police station on John Dale Drive to the riverfront.