Parked Jeep Struck By Gunfire
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One round shattered the rear window of the Jeep.
WATER VALLEY — Water Valley police are investigating an unusual incident after a parked Jeep Wrangler was struck by multiple gunshots on Central Street near the Highway 7 bypass.
According to Police Chief Jason Mangrum, the vehicle was parked in the front yard of a residence and displayed a “for sale” sign at the time it was damaged. The residence was unoccupied and is currently undergoing renovation.
The Jeep was struck by what appears to be four or five rounds, with damage observed to the hood, passenger-side door and window, Mangrum said.
“It’s odd,” Mangrum said. “Anything can happen anywhere, but this is a very random occurrence for Water Valley. There’s no known reason for the vehicle or the property to have been targeted.”
The reported timeframe provided to officers placed the incident between 10 a.m. and noon Sunday. What is puzzling to police is that officers have been unable to locate anyone in the vicinity who heard the shots.
“Our officer talked to several people in the area who were home, and nobody reported hearing gunshots,” Mangrum said.
One theory is that the shots may have occurred earlier, possibly overnight.
“That could explain why no one heard anything,” Mangrum said.
No shell casings or projectiles were recovered at the scene, and police have not been able to determine whether the shots were fired from a handgun or a rifle. Mangrum said the damage suggests a larger-caliber round.
The Jeep is owned by a family member connected to the property and was placed in the yard to attract attention from passing traffic.
“A lot of cars go by there,” Mangrum said. “They thought it might help sell it.”
“We’re still working it,” the chief added. “If anyone heard shots, saw anything unusual in that area or has any information, we’d like to know.”
The Water Valley Police Department can be reached at (662) 473-2933, ext. 2.
