Four teens injured in Liberty County shooting early Sunday morning

MIDWAY, Ga. (WTOC) -Four teens were injured early Sunday morning in the 400 block of Bill Carter Road in Midway.

The teens, whose ages range from 16 to 17, are recovering from gunshot wounds that occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m., according to Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Josh Heath.

The teens were taken to local hospitals. A car full of bullet holes, a shattered passenger window and a missing rear driver’s side tire was discovered in the parking lot of Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville. Heath was unable to say for sure if the vehicle found was used to transport one of the gunshot victims.

One of those injured was identified by family as the brother of Dasean Leonard, who said his sibling was shot in the shoulder and is expected to recover.

“He was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Dasean Leonard said.

Leonard described his brother as a student-athlete who plays both basketball and football for his high school and typically surrounds himself with positive influences.

“I know that he’s innocent and he don’t be around those type of crowds at all,” Leonard said. “He stays around positive-minded people, role models, everything, so it was kind of unbelievable.”

Leonard said receiving the call about the shooting left him shaken.

“It was scary, it was real scary, and I was panicking, because I didn’t know what was going on. I wasn’t there,” he said.

Neighbors in the area say the neighborhood is usually safe and quiet, and that this type of violence is out of the ordinary. Leonard added that he and his siblings were raised to resolve conflict without violence and is now urging others to do the same.

“Why put us in a situation where we have to protect ourselves from a gun? Just put the guns down. It’s not worth it,” he said.

The Mayor is also speaking out following the tragedy:

“I am coming not as Mayor Malcolm Williams but as a father and grandfather, I’m speaking to you today with a heart full of hope and resolve, lifting prayers for the families affected by the recent tragedy that shook our community of Liberty County, Though I don’t have all the answers, one truth is clear: we must strive for something greater than the ordinary and reject the notion that senseless violence is an inevitable part of our reality. Our youth are our most precious assets, and it’s imperative that our actions reflect their value.”

Mayor Malcolm X. Williams

Three of the teens received non-life-threatening wounds while the fourth one is in critical condition, Heath said. The teen in critical condition was shot in the chest while the others were shot in the shoulder and back.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office released this statement:

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning at an establishment located in the 400 block of Bill Carter Road in Midway.Four teenagers between the ages of 16 and 17 sustained gunshot wounds shortly after 12:30 a.m.

All victims were transported for medical treatment to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville and Memorial University in Savannah.At Liberty Regional Medical Center, deputies located a vehicle in the parking lot with multiple bullet holes, a shattered passenger window, and a missing rear driver-side tire.

At this time, it has not been confirmed whether the vehicle was used to transport any of the victims. Three of the victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. Other injuries reported include gunshot wounds to the foot, shoulder, and back.This incident was a heinous act of violence.

Investigators are actively working to identify and locate the suspect or suspects involved and are pursuing all available leads.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators are in the process of seeking leads on the suspects. Detectives were still recovering shell casings from the scene several hours later.

Investigators have not announced any suspects at this time and are asking anyone with information to contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

*The Coastal News Service contributed to this report*