NATCHEZ — A Natchez man will face the grand jury for allegedly shooting at an off-duty police officer in February.

Ronnie L. Thompson, 24, 583 Lower Woodville Road, is charged with trespassing and aggravated assault.

Thompson had a preliminary hearing in Natchez Municipal Court Tuesday, during which Natchez Police Officer Nikita Stone testified about the incident.

Stone testified he was off-duty and returning to his residence at Susie B. West apartments, where he also works as a security officer, when he saw Thompson and several others standing in front of his apartment.

Stone said he initially told the group to clear out, but after recognizing Thompson as being on the apartment complex’s banned list told him he was under arrest for trespass.

Stone said Thompson became aggressive with him and started to grapple with the officer. During the fight, the suspect tried to remove a gun from his pants pocket, Stone said.

After a second person — a juvenile — pushed Stone in Thompson’s defense, Thompson was able to remove the gun and stick it in the officer’s face, Stone said.

Stone said he likewise drew his weapon and Thompson and the juvenile ran for the woods. While running away, Thompson fired several shots at him, Stone said.

No gun or bullets were recovered after the incident, he said.

Judge Jim Blough said based on the testimony he found probable cause to bind Thompson over to the grand jury. He kept the suspect’s bond set at $75,000.