The Durant Police Department responded to shooting incidents earlier this week involving suspects on foot and in vehicles, the department said Monday. Two suspects, Payton Zachariah Thrash and Kyrese Keishon Taylor, both 18, were booked into the Bryan County Jail for suspicion of reckless conduct with a firearm, receive, possess or conceal stolen property and allowing minors to possess firearms. According to police, the shootings appear to be targeted between two groups of individuals and there is not any indication of a widespread threat to the public. “However, because some of these incidents have taken place in public areas, the Durant Police Department is committed to exercising an abundance of caution,” DPD said, in a news release. “One of the events occurred near the middle school. Out of care and caution for our children and school staff, we have been in close coordination with school leadership.”
Outdoor activities were either moved indoors or postponed for this past Monday, according to police.
“Our officers are aggressively investigating these events, developing strong leads, and have already made arrests related to the incidents. There have been no reported causalities/ injuries from these events.
DPD said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
“The safety of our community, especially our children, remains our highest priority,” DPD said. “While we do not believe the pub- lic is in immediate danger, we believe in transparency and caution when it comes to community safety.”
DPD asks the public to be supportive of: - The department’s investigative efforts.
- The precautionary safety steps being taken in partnership with the schools.
- The due process required to build strong, long-lasting cases that will hold those responsible accountable and contribute to long-term safety solutions.
“Your cooperation and vigilance play a vital role in keeping our community safe,” DPD said.
