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NATCHEZ — A family gathering in Duncan Park turned violent Saturday night when first cousins got into an altercation, and one shot the other.

Natchez Police Chief Cal Green said the incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. at one of the park’s picnic areas.

Reginald Rodgers, age 25 or 26, allegedly shot his first cousin, Marcus Lawrence, 28. Rodgers then left the scene.

Green said Lawrence was taken to Merit Hospital Natchez with non-life-threatening injuries. She said the bullet entered the area of Lawrence’s buttocks and exited through his thigh. She said Lawrence would likely be taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson because no trauma surgeon was available in Natchez.

Green said she expects her officers to take Rodgers into custody soon, and he likely will be charged with aggravated assault.