On August 9, the Gulfport Police Department arrested 22-year-old Joshua Paxton Ward in connection with an armed robbery that occurred earlier that day.

At approximately 12:53 p.m., officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 1700 block of Kelly Avenue.

Investigations revealed that Ward allegedly brandished a machete and demanded jewelry from the victim. Witnesses reported that Ward laughed and shouted obscenities at bystanders before fleeing the scene. He was arrested shortly after without incident.

Ward was charged with one count of armed robbery and is currently being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, as set by Judge Patano.