William Carey University placed on brief lockdown earlier today

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at approximately 10 a.m., Hattiesburg Police officers responded to shots fired in the 600 Block of Tuscan Ave., near William Carey University in Hattiesburg. There were no injuries in the incident.

Two juveniles were arrested and charged in connection to the shooting incident among others that occurred the evening of Oct. 24, 2023, and the early hours of Oct. 25, 2023.

William Carey University officials placed the Hattiesburg campus on lockdown status for a short time on Wednesday, Oct. 25, after the incident was reported.  

Students, faculty, and staff were instructed to shelter in place.

One juvenile, a 13-year-old male, of Hattiesburg, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of grand larceny auto, and four counts of possession of a stolen firearm.

The other, a 17-year-old male, of Hattiesburg, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and four  counts of possession of a stolen firearm.

Both juveniles have been transported to Forrest County Jail.

There are additional charges pending from Hattiesburg, Laurel and Petal Police Departments. As this is an ongoing investigation, there are no additional details at this time.