By Floyd Ingram
Chickasaw Journal
HOUSTON – Both the Houston Police Department and Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Department found themselves investigating separate shootings over the weekend.
The first occurred about noon Sunday on Airport Road in front of Chickasaw Village with police still looking for the alleged shooter.
“We are looking for Cynthia Ellis, 25, of Houston, in connection with this shooting,” said Houston Police Chief Billy Voyles. “Willie Atkinson, of Woodland, was shot once in the upper arm with a .22-cal. rifle.”
Voyles said the incident stems from some kind of domestic dispute over money. He said Atkinson was shot as he stood in the road and was treated at a local hospital and released.
“Ellis is from Houston, and I feel she is close by,” said Voyles. “I do want to remind people that aiding and abetting someone we are looking for is a felony and can be serious. We urge her to turn herself in. We also want to remind people CrimeStoppers offers rewards for information leading to the arrest of someone who may have committed a crime.
CrimeStoppers can be reached by phoning 1-800-773-8477, and all information is anonymous.
The second shooting Sunday sent a Thorn man to a Tupelo hospital suffering from five gunshot wounds.
“We got a call about 9:30 p.m. saying a man had been shot on Hall Siding Road,” said Sheriff James Meyers. “When we got there we found Antonia Brinker, 37, shot several times.”
Meyers said Brinker was airlifted by helicopter from his home west of Houston to North Mississippi Medical Center, but was put in a private room Monday and should survive.
“We were told there was a knock at the door and when (Brinker) stepped outside, two males shot at him,” said Meyers. “Folks are being pretty tight-lipped about this, and we don’t even know the race of the shooters or very many details.”
Meyers said they have not recovered a weapon.
“Anyone who has any information that could help us solve this crime needs to call us immediately,” said Meyers. “They can call 911 or CrimeStoppers. All we want is the information.”