Police Investigate Aggravated Assault On Panola Street
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Police Department is investigating an aggravated assault reported on the 400 block of Panola Street last Wednesday morning.
Water Valley Interim Police Chief Spring Crenshaw reported the victim sustained massive head trauma during the assault and was airlifted to the Regional Medical Center in Memphis in critical condition. By Tuesday, Crenshaw said the victim is improving and was in stable condition.
The interim chief also told the Herald the victim was discovered in her back yard by a family member, who called authorities just after 10 a.m. on May 22. She also said that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation responded to the crime scene to help process evidence and is assisting with the investigation. Crenshaw said the case appears to be an isolated incident and there was no indication of a robbery in connection with the assault.
In other police department activity:
• An investigation is underway after the department received multiple reports of pets being shot with a pellet gun in the vicinity of Crosby, Panola and Wagner Streets.
• Two shoplifting cases are under investigation.
• Officers will step up enforcement of a curfew in the city for minors. The curfew prohibits anyone under the age of 18 years from being on public streets, highway, parks, sidewalks or other public places in the city between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday. The curfew hours for Friday and Saturday are from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Exceptions include a minor who is accompanied by a parent or guardian or attending a school function. A minor who is traveling to or from work can also be out during the curfew, but must have a written statement that they were at work; and they have 30 minutes allotted to get home.
Crenshaw explained the city ordinance has been on the books for years, but officers will step up enforcement to help reduce malicious activity.
A minor in violation of the city ordinance will receive a youth court summons. Subsequent violations can include charging the minor’s parents.
