ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. - The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office says three men were taken into custody following reports they were shooting at each other on a neighborhood street.
Deputies were called to the 14000 block of Melissa Drive in the Smithfield Heights neighborhood shortly before noon on Wednesday.
"Multiple gunshots heard and the individuals were running down behind each other through the street shooting back and forth," said Lt. James Pope, who tells News 3 the shooting was still going on when deputies arrived on scene.
Investigators say K-9 units helped deputies get the three men into custody.
They are 23-year-old John Butler, 32-year-old Andre Towns and 25-year-old James Wrenn, according to the sheriff's office.
No one was hurt in the incident, but Lt. Pope says the suspects are believed to be connected to other shots fired calls that came in from Smithfield Heights and a nearby mobile home park the night before.
"We believe they are connected. We don't know how they're connected at this point. That's part of the investigation," said Lt. Pope.
Deputies say homes were struck by bullets in each incident. They believe the men in custody are the only suspects.
Neighbors tell News 3 the situation is 'ridiculous'.
"It's pretty much quiet out here so I don't really understand why," said Shalita Jackson, a resident of 25 years.
Lt. Pope says investigators are also working to figure out a motive.
According to the sheriff's office, charges are as follows:
John Butler:
18.2-58 Robbery - From event that occurred on 12/19/2017 in Red Oaks
18.2-53.1 Uses of a Firearm in commission of felony - From event that occurred on 12/19/2017 in Red Oaks
18.2-46.2 Street Gang Predicated crime acting for gang
18.2-53.1 Uses of a Firearm in commission of felony
18.2-26/18.2-32 Attempted murder 2nd Degree
18.2-56.1 Reckless Handling of a Firearm - Misdemeanor
18.2-154 Maliciously shooting at occupied vehicle
18.2-248.1 Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute over 1/2 oz under 5 lbs
Andre Towns:
3 Counts : 18.2-53.1 Uses of a Firearm in commission of felony
3 Counts : 18.2-26/18.2-32 Attempted murder 2nd Degree
18.2-56.1 Reckless Handling of a Firearm - Misdemeanor
18.2-279 Maliciously shooting at occupied Building
18.2-308.2 Possession of a firearm by convicted
James Wrenn:
18.2-53.1 Uses of a Firearm in commission of felony
18.2-26/18.2-32 Attempted murder 2nd Degree
18.2-279 Maliciously shooting at occupied Building
18.2-154 Maliciously shooting at occupied vehicle
18.2-56.1 Reckless Handling of a Firearm - Misdemeanor
18.2-248.1 Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute under 1/2 oz
Appearing in Isle of Wight Circuit Court on May 29, 2019, Wrenn pleaded not guilty to malicious shooting at car and malicious shooting with firearm. His trial is set for September 4, 2019.
Butler will be in court on June 5, 2019, for an arraignment.
Towns pleaded not guilty on May 22, 2019, and his next court date is scheduled for July 8, 2019, where a trial will be set.
