MONROE, N.C. — Monroe Police arrested four people Sunday night for firing shots towards residential homes with AR-15-style guns.
Detectives say they went to Rushing Street in Monroe to investigate, after hearing several shots fired on July 4th.
Detectives say a group of people outside a home on Rushing Street were using cellphone flashlights to manipulate what they believed to be guns.
As detectives approached, one person began firing an AR-15-style firearm into the air towards residential homes.
Detectives say when they told the individuals to drop their weapons, two men took off running.
The two men, later identified as Dameko Maske, 25, and Demaris Witherspoon, 30, were apprehended after a short foot pursuit.
Maske was found in possession of two concealed handguns at this time, according to a news release.
Detectives say behind the home, the encountered Antwon Clyburn, 32, with the AR-15-style firearm.
While attempting to take the suspects into custody, detectives say one man told officers he was going to shoot them because of the ongoing investigation into discharging the firearms.
This man, later identified as 23-year-old Jayqua Clyburn, was placed under arrest for communicating threats and resisting , delaying, and obstructing justice.
Jayqua Clyburn
Police say a warrant check on Clyburn revealed he had multiple warrants out for his arrest.
“Any threat on an officer is extremely serious, especially in situations where weapons have already been recovered,” said Gilliard. “I am extremely proud of the actions of our officers and their ability to take these dangerous weapons off the streets of Monroe safely.”
Detectives charged Maske with carrying a concealed handgun; resisting, delaying and, obstructing justice; and discharging a firearm in the city limits.
Witherspoon is charged with discharging a firearm in the city limits, and Antwon Clyburn is charged with possession of firearm by a convicted felon in this case, according to a news release.
“Obviously firing any weapon in the air in a populated area is extremely dangerous as those projectiles can do damage to property and potentially do serious harm to an individual,” said Monroe Police Chief Bryan Gilliard.
