WINTON – Bullets flying into a crowded yard with a popular hangout for kids located right next door n that scenario had all the markings of disaster here Wednesday evening.

Fortunately, no one was struck by a barrage of bullets, but a 1-year-old child was injured and a Gates County man is behind bars following a 7:15 p.m. incident on Winton’s Main Street.

As of yesterday (Friday) morning, Shannon Davis, 20, of Gatesville remained held under no bond in Suffolk, Va. where he was arrested later Wednesday night by the Suffolk Police. That law enforcement agency became involved in the case after Davis had taken his injured child, reportedly suffering a broken leg, to Obici Hospital for treatment.

Upon his return to Hertford County, Davis will be charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, going armed to the terror of the public, assault by pointing a gun, misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This information was according to Winton Police Chief David Griffith.

Griffith said he was summoned to a Main Street residence where a family gathering was taking place. Next door to the residence is a basketball court, frequented by local youngsters and adults.

Griffith said Davis arrived at the residence to pick-up his girlfriend and his child. He added that Davis had experienced some previous trouble with the residents of the home.

“Mr. Davis sent someone inside the home to notify his girlfriend that he was waiting for her out in the yard,” Griffith said. “While he was waiting, Mr. Davis began exchanging words with another individual.”

Davis’ girlfriend allegedly added fuel to the fire when, upon exiting the residence, she became involved in a physical altercation with another female.

“It was at this point that Dr. Davis went to his vehicle, obtained a 9 mm rifle and began shooting in the direction of the man he had the verbal exchange with,” Griffith reported. “That person sought cover behind a vehicle, which along with another car, was struck by the bullets.”

Griffith continued, “Eyewitnesses informed me that while Mr. Davis was firing shots, he had the child in his arms.”

Fortunately, no person was struck by the flying bullets.

Griffith did say that Davis fired off additional rounds after he, his girlfriend and child had gotten into a vehicle and were backing out onto Main Street.

“This was a terrible act of violence, especially with a young child involved,” Griffith noted. “Luckily, no one was struck by the bullets, but this incident could have very easily ended in major injuries, even death.”

Griffith thanked the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Gates County Sheriff’s Office and Suffolk Police Department for their assistance.