Albany Police Department holds press conference on weekend shooting incidents

ALBANY, Ga. – Plenty of violent acts have taken place in the city of Albany over the weekend. We got a chance to speak with Police Chief Michael Persley about each of the incidents.

Over the weekend, law enforcement responded to a pair of calls that were later ruled as homicides.

One taking place at this West Albany apartment complex, the other in the 300 block of Grant Place.

In each instance, a 19-year-old was killed.

“In the investigation into the death that occurred on Grant Place. We are, as you know, looking for persons of interest. We have interviewed some other people and we’re looking to gather more additional information. In regards to rest of the homicide that happened on Champagne (Lane), that is going to be a domestic violence related incident,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department.

Another incident occurred Monday afternoon near the campus of Monroe Comprehensive High School when a 16-year-old student was shot at by two suspects.

Chief Persley says this incident escalated over social media.

“This was a targeted attack. We’re very fortunate no one was injured. It was an event that didn’t have to occur, even for the reasons for the attack, it shouldn’t happen, especially even regardless of it being a school. It shouldn’t have happened, period,” said Chief Persley.

In the West Albany homicide, a suspect has been taken into custody while in the Grant Place homicide, a person of interest has been named.

“Apparently, some type of dispute occurred which resulted in the death of the subject and the reasons behind it. That’s why we’re talking to as many people as we can and looking for more people to come forward so that we can at least to figure out the why, why did it occur?” said Chief Persley.

But… circling back to the shooting near Monroe High School, Chief Persley has plans in motion as they work with the Dougherty County School System Police.

“So, I know what we’ve done is after the incident, and even today we have officers who have been around the area, and will be there while school is letting out. So, any time these is in these situations, school students safety is always a concern,” said Chief Persley.

Investigations into the two homicides and the shooting near Monroe High are active, and Chief Persley says if anyone has any further information to contact law enforcement.

If you have any information, you can contact the Albany Police Department at 229-431-2100.

Brian Roche reporting.

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