VIDALIA — The Vidalia Police Department is investigating an early morning triple shooting on South Spruce Street that left one Vidalia man dead and two injured.

Officials for the police department said they believe there were multiple suspects involved in the incident.

According to VPD Chief Investigator Randy Stockman, the first 911 call was received at 1:07 a.m.

Witnesses claimed that the shooting in the 300 block apparently stemmed from a dispute regarding uptown and downtown. It is unknown if the victims were armed.

Since 2007 Vidalia officials have been dealing with territory-related fights among some Vidalia youth from “uptown” and “downtown” Vidalia.

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.

Stockman said when officers first arrived at the scene, Smith was lying on the ground on Spruce Street. Dean was inside a nearby residence.

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.”

“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.