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RICH SQUARE – Three men from Garysburg were arrested here last night (Wednesday) after allegedly firing shots into an occupied dwelling.

One person was struck by the gunfire and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith identified the three suspects as 27-year-old Malik Adams, 21-year-old Jamarion Gilliam, and 24-year-old Amun-tehu Serkh Erat Benu.

Smith said Northampton Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Jimmy Barmer charged each man with one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill by inflicting serious injury, two counts of discharging a weapon into occupied property, and one count of going armed to the terror of the public.

Adams was additionally charged with one count of possession of a firearm by felon.

Each was jailed under a $300,000 secured bond and were scheduled to make their first court appearance today (Thursday) to answer the charges.

In a press release, the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office stated deputies were dispatched at around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday to reports of a shooting outside of Rich Square and that one person was injured. The initial investigation determined that a vehicle, occupied by several individuals, drove by the residence and began shooting.

Detective Sgt. Barmer arrived on scene and was assisted by Rich Square Police Chief William Smith. The suspect vehicle was later located by Chief Smith in the Rich Square area where it was found to be disabled. As law enforcement approached, the suspects fled on foot from the vehicle.

After a search of the area by officers and K-9, three suspects were located within the vicinity hiding in an unoccupied vehicle at a nearby property.

Officers and K-9 Thor continued to search the area for evidence in the vicinity where subjects ran. Numerous items were located to include an AK-47 rifle, cell phone, and an AR-15 rifle.

In addition to Burden and Chief Smith, other law enforcement officers taking part in the search were Sgt. T. Burden and K-9 Thor, Officer H. Benton and K-9 Adam, and Major J. Farmer, all with the Ahoskie Police Department, Captain Briggs with Rich Square Police, Chief J. Young with the Jackson Police and Northampton Sheriff’s Office personnel Deputy T. Stephenson, Lt. A. Johnson, Sgt. G. Williams, Deputy M. Squire, and Deputy D. Williams.

It was noted that Major Farmer provided air support with a drone.

Sheriff Smith stated that it was great to see other agencies come together and work together for a common goal.

“I would like to thank all of our officers for their diligent work and I would like to thank all of the outside agencies for their support and assistance with this case. All of the hard work and assistance is greatly appreciated,” he stated.