Child, woman shot in gang-related gun battle in Meridian

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - One suspect is in custody and four others are being sought by Meridian police in the shooting of a five-year old child and a woman at Highland Park Wednesday night in what police are calling a gang-related gun battle.

Police say a bullet struck the child in the hand. The woman was hit in the head. Police say the injuries are not life-threatening. A bystander sent us a picture from the crime scene. The image shows two cars at the park. The back window of one of the cars was blown out from apparent gunfire.

The wanted suspects were identified by police as Malik Wright, Jerry D. Williams and Jaterio McKee. The name of the person already in custody was not immediately released.

Meridian police said Malik Wright is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at Highland... — Meridian police said Malik Wright is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at Highland Park that injured a woman and a 5-year-old child.(Meridian Police Dept.)

Meridian police said Jerry D. Williams is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at... — Meridian police said Jerry D. Williams is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at Highland Park that injured a woman and a 5-year-old child.(Meridian Police Dept.)

Meridian police said Jaterio McKee is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at... — Meridian police said Jaterio McKee is among four suspects being sought in a shooting at Highland Park that injured a woman and a 5-year-old child.(Meridian Police Dept.)

Newscenter 11 reporter Matt Robin found what appears to be at least two bullet holes in one of the carousel horses at Highland Park. The gun battle happened just feet from the carousel horse.

If you have information about any of the suspects, call Crimestoppers at 855-485-8477. You don’t have to give your name.

***Editor’s note: This story has been altered from its original posting as of July 6, 2021, due to the Meridian Police Department withdrawing Justin Ruffin as a suspect. His photo was also removed. The MPD said he is no longer a suspect in this case.