THOMASVILLE — Firearm incidents have raised concern for authorities recently as several have occurred in the past two weeks. 

The Thomasville Police Department is investigating a total of five incidents involving firearms, some of which stem from altercations.

The first incident occurred on July 18 around North Martin Luther King Jr Drive. 

At approximately 2:20 p.m., officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots fired amongst individuals involved in an altercation. All vehicles and suspects left the scene before officers arrived. 

“We’re still determining the exact motive or reasoning why. We have evidence that was left at the scene that we are processing and at the same time talking to and looking for witnesses,” said Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

It wasn’t long after the first firearm incident that two more later occurred on the same night. 

On July 23, officers responded to reports of suspects in a vehicle firing firearms in the air and in the direction of Wood Valley Apartments buildings located at 1325 Warner Street.

Knifer said the suspects also left the scene, but officers collected more evidence they’re hoping will help identify the suspects involved.

One apartment was left damaged by gunshot holes but no injuries or fatalities we reported.

That same night, a second incident occurred on Wright and Jones streets where several suspects were involved in an altercation involving weapons. 

There were also no reports of injuries or fatalities during the incident, but a vehicle was struck several times with bullets. Officers are investigating both incidents.

On July 27, another incident at Wood Valley Apartments occurred where a single gunshot was fired inside a residence from a firearm that a young lady was playing with, only this time officers were able to make an arrest. 

“A neighbor heard a gunshot and found the door was struck by the bullet. The bullet traveled through the apartment complex, which was occupied,” Knifer said. 

Luckily, there were also no injuries or fatalities reported. 

Qynicia Woodruff, 23, was arrested and charged with reckless conduct in reference to her mishandling the firearm. 

“Her actions could have caused or killed somebody in her apartment or someone in her neighbor’s apartment,” Knifer said. “If you’re going to handle a weapon like that and cause that, even if it was unintentional, you’re still responsible for that bullet and where it hits.”

The most recent firearm incident occurred July 28 at approximately 9:30 a.m. as officers responded to yet another report of firearms being fired around North MLK Jr Drive.

“Upon officers’ arrival, subjects had already left the area. Again, we collected evidence that supports the shots being fired,” Knifer said.

In the four reckless firearm incidents officers are still investigating, Knifer said he is seeking help from the community.

“We’re looking for anybody to come forward to identify anybody in any of these incidents. You may remain anonymous if you so choose to,” he said. 

Gun violence has always been an issue locally, but the fact that it’s happened in a short amount of time is alarming, Knifer said. 

“It’s not an everyday occurrence but we’ve just happened to have more than usual upheaval. Luckily, nobody has been injured, but it’s only a matter of time before someone is injured or killed,” he said.

Even though there were no injuries or fatalities reported, Knifer said TPD is taking these incidents very seriously. 

“The fact that they’re recklessly discharging firearms, even if it’s in the air and not in the direction of an individual, it would be very easy for a victim to be struck by one of these bullets,” he said. “We are not taking these incidents lightly. Once these individuals are identified they will be charged. They are placing the general public in danger.”

Knifer said at this time he doesn’t know if any of these incidents are gang related. 

Other than providing law enforcement with any helpful information regarding the incidents, Knifer said firearm education can help decrease the amount of incidents in the community.

“Help educate yourself on gun violence. A firearm is not a toy and should never be treated as such,” he said. 

Avoiding gun violence in alterations also will ensure the general public’s safety.

“If you find yourself involved in a dispute or altercation, don’t result to violence. Settle your differences in a mature adult way and not by using violence, especially gun violence,” Knifer said.