Three Men Arrested Following Shooting in Palestine

PALESTINE — Palestine police have arrested three people after a shooting sent two victims to the hospital on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, just before 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, officers from the Palestine Police Department responded to a residence on Lamar Street in reference to a reported shooting. Officers arrived and found two victims with apparent gunshot wounds. The male victim was identified as Alex Afshari, 19, of Palestine. The female victim was identified as Christine Kelly, 18, of Palestine. Both victims were transported to a local hospital.

Witnesses said the victims were in the front yard when a black Dodge pickup pulled up and one of the occupants fired a single shot from a shotgun, striking both of the victims. The pickup then fled the scene.

Police located the suspect vehicle at a residence on ACR 1224. The suspects were then identified as Noah Cargill, 19, of Palestine, Jhovany Lopez, 17, of Palestine and Leon Owens, 18, of Palestine. Cargill (pictured) was taken into custody without incident. Owens and Lopez were taken into custody after attempting to escape through an open window at the residence. All suspects were taken to the Anderson County Jail. Cargill was booked in on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and engaging in organized criminal activity. Owens and Lopez were each booked in for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest detention.

Both victims were treated for their injuries and later released from the hospital.