By STAFF REPORTS

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Natchez Police are asking for help locating Damien Hayes, who is a suspect in a Christmas Eve shooting that injured a Natchez man.

Another suspect, Tyrell White, was in custody Tuesday and both men are charged with acting in concert with each other for the attempted murder of Kendrick Owens, drive-by-shooting and shooting into a vehicle, said Walter Armstrong, Natchez police chief.

“A diligent search for the suspects yielded the arrest of Tyrell White,” Armstrong said. “During the arrest of Tyrell White he was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm, thereby receiving an additional charge of possession of a stolen firearm.”

Armstrong said officers were dispatched at 11:43 p.m. Dec. 24 to Merit Health Natchez in response to a report of a person who had been shot.

“Contact was made with the victim who advised that the shooting had actually taken place on Minor Street,” Armstrong said. “The victim was then transported to UMMC by ambulance where he underwent surgery for the gunshot wounds he received.”

Natchez Police Department investigators worked the case and identified two possible suspects and arrest warrants were issued for Hayes and White, Armstrong said.

White was quickly arrested. However, The Natchez Police Department is actively seeking the location of Hayes, Armstrong said.

“If anyone has any information on his whereabouts we are asking that you contact your local law enforcement,” Armstrong said. “Anyone caught harboring Damien Hayes is subject to criminal prosecution. If you see Damien Hayes do not approach, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 601- 442-5000.”

Crime Stoppers is an international program involving the public, the news media, and law enforcement in the fight against crime. The program offers anonymity and cash rewards to persons who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction against criminal offenders.

The Miss-Lou Crime Stoppers calls are routed to a call center located in another state where the call center gathers the tip information and assigns a number to the caller. The tip is then routed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

“We urge people to share information with law enforcement that will help solve crimes and help keep future crimes from being committed,” Armstrong said.