Shots fired during argument

By Brennan Leathers (Contact) | Post-Searchlight

Published Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Decatur County man after he allegedly fired off multiple rounds from a pistol at his estranged wife and her friend.

James Leon Ward, 73, of 268 Gratton-Ward Road, Attapulgus, was arrested on the afternoon of Dec. 9.

Ward’s wife stated that she and a friend had brought a moving van to their residence to pick up her belongings. The wife’s friend stated she had backed up to the carport when Ward approached her aiming a pistol at her and threatening to shoot.

The friend stated she screamed for Ward’s wife and asked him not to shoot. She further stated that Ward had grabbed her right arm and pointed the pistol at her head.

Ward’s wife approached, attempting to call 911, but he then knocked the phone out of her hand, shot at it and then stepped on it. Both complainants stated Ward grabbed his wife by the hair and pointed the gun at both of them in turn. They stated that after they were able to get in the truck to leave, Ward shot at the truck.

Lt. Rick Ashley stated he observed where the truck’s transmission line had been severed and saw evidence of a gunshot to the front wheel rim. Deputies also found shell casings.

Flood warning issued

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Flint River in Decatur County.

The flood warning for the Flint River in Bainbridge continues until further notice. The predicted crest of the Flint River is 26.7 by early afternoon Saturday, Dec. 19.

Flood stage for the Flint River is 25 feet. The high level for the river during the Flood of 1994 was 37.2 feet, and in 1998 it was 34.65 feet. The crest for the flooding in April 2009 was 30.9 feet.

The Flint River at Bainbridge measured 22.12 feet as of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Citizens with questions regarding flood preparedness should contact Decatur County Emergency Management at 248-3869.