NATCHEZ — Three people suffered gunshot wounds early Sunday morning outside Club Paradise on East Franklin Street when a struggle between two Vidalia men escalated to gunfire, Natchez Police Detective Otis Mazique said.

Mazique said two of the victims, Latoya Finley and Joseph Ivory, did not know the suspect and were inadvertently shot as they stood outside the venue during the struggle.

“(Finley and Ivory) were hit by random fire,” Mazique said.

A third victim, Forest Williams, 20, 212 S. Spruce St., Vidalia, knew the suspect.

As of Sunday evening, NPD had attained an arrest warrant for the suspect, Rayshon Hawkins, 500 Sycamore St., Vidalia, but had not yet made an arrest.

“(Hawkins) and Forest have had ongoing problems,” Mazique said.

Finley, 29, of Clayton, was reportedly struck in the armpit area and in the lower back. She was originally transported to Natchez Community Hospital from the scene and was later transported by an Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter to a hospital in Jackson for further treatment.

Mazique said Finley was conscious and able to talk following the incident, but Mazique was unable to retrieve updated information about her condition later that day.

The suspect shot Ivory, of Natchez, in the right leg. Ivory was released from Natchez Regional Medical Center by Sunday afternoon, Mazique said. Ivory’s age and address were not available Sunday.

The third victim, Williams, was treated at NRMC for a gunshot wound to the left hip, Mazique said.

Mazique said police responded to the scene when Club Paradise employees called NPD at 3:31 a.m.

Williams reportedly told police the suspect attempted to take the money Williams was holding in his hand for entrance into Club Paradise. The two men then started wrestling when Hawkins reportedly pulled out the gun.

The gun was fired at least four times, Mazique said. He said police recovered two 9-milimeter shell casings from the scene.