FRANKLIN

A Franklin man is in custody following an arrest on charges of firing a weapon in public and assault and battery on another person.

“Again, gun violence in Franklin shatters the quiet of a south side neighborhood,” Franklin Police Capt. Tim Whitt reported on Tuesday afternoon. “On March 11, at 11:30 p.m., officers responded to Madison Street for a report of gunshots. Investigation revealed that two brothers were involved in an argument. “As one of the brothers drove away, the other, Demetrius McNeal, 18, of Madison Street, allegedly shot at the vehicle his brother was in. Neither the car nor driver was struck. Evidence was recovered at the scene indicating a gun had been fired.”

The department spokesman added that while officers were investigating the scene, they heard multiple gunshots coming from a nearby street. After checking the area, no suspect was located. Search warrants were obtained for two vehicles at the scene, and an M4 rifle with a high-capacity magazine and bump stock were recovered.

Demetrius McNeil was arrested and charged with discharging a firearm in public, reckless handling of a firearm, assault and battery of a household member, and discharging a firearm within city limits. He is being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond.