Man arrested in connection with shooting in Gulfport

On March 18, 2021, the Gulfport Police Department arrested 32 year old Earnesto Fredrico West and charged him with one count of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

At approximately 1:34 p.m., the Gulfport Police Department responded to the 4000 block of Ponderosa Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Through the course of the investigation, Detectives discovered West and the victim were involved in a verbal argument and West subsequently discharged a firearm striking the victim multiple times. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

After booking and processing, West was charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm, and his bond was set at $400,000.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.