A man has been hospitalized after he was shot in the hip Sunday afternoon on Sand Road.
Deputies responded to reports of shots fired at 525 Sand Road in Columbus shortly before 2:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered one victim with a gunshot wound. According to reports, the altercation began as a verbal argument and escalated to gunfire from a 9mm handgun.
The victim was airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and is currently listed in critical but stable condition.
During the investigation, authorities identified 36-year-old Michael David Dement as the shooting suspect. Although Dement had fled the scene before deputies arrived, he was later apprehended at his residence on 112 Mason Street in Columbus without further incident.
Dement faces charges of Aggravated Assault and is being held at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center pending his initial appearance. No bond has been set at this time.
Sheriff Eddie Hawkins emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This was an extremely dangerous situation that very well could have resulted in several deaths. There are still people out there trying to settle their differences by picking up a gun. The victim in this case is lucky to be alive. Hopefully, he will fully recover, and the suspect who shot him will be held accountable.”
