Suspect accused of firing handguns at car full of people on MS Coast arrested in Gulfport

The search for a man who police said fired two handguns last month at a car full of people ended Monday after the 19-year-old turned himself into Gulfport police, authorities said.

Police said last week they were searching for an “armed and dangerous” suspect who allegedly fired two handguns this month at a vehicle with several people inside.

Police identified Jabari Tyre Whitehead, 19, as the suspect. He turned himself in Monday morning and faces six counts of aggravated assault, Gulfport police said.

The shooting occurred July 27 near the intersection of 33rd Avenue and 24th Street, police said. The police department said it was notified of the shooting July 31.

No one in the vehicle was injured, Gulfport Police Sgt. Jason Ducre said. Several adults were inside the car. Ducre said it is unclear if the shooting was random or if the suspect knew the vehicle’s occupants.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident or Whitehead’s whereabouts to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.

This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 6:56 PM.