Man who allegedly shot at teens in court

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Semmes public works employee accused of shooting at teenagers then holding them at gunpoint had a preliminary hearing Monday, November 19.

Authorities said Mark Raiford went after the teens when his yard was rolled with toilet paper. Raiford's attorney argues his client did nothing wrong.

He said Raiford fired in self defense, and then had every legal right to hold the teens at gunpoint.

The incident occurred In late September, following a homecoming prank.

Authorities say on the night of September 24, five teens rolled toilet paper in the Raiford's yard.

In response, deputies say Raiford, a Semmes Public Works supervisor, fired shots at the teen's car as they drove off.

"Mr. Raiford felt like he was about to be run over by unknown individuals for protecting his own house and he acted absolutely in accordance with what the law allows and requires," Defense Attorney John Beck said.

In the hearing, FOX10 learned Raiford called 911 and then tracked down the teens at a nearby gas station before responders arrived.

The five teens met five friends at the gas station to help change a tire, and investigators said Raiford held all ten of them at gunpoint.

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Mark Raiford is charged with shooting into a vehicle, and five counts of unlawful imprisonment because of the five extra teens that he held up at the gas station.

The case has been turned over to a grand jury. An official at the DA’s office said that jury could choose to add more charges if it feels necessary.

Beck said, "What they're not understanding is that he had probable cause to hold the others until the police arrived, and then they would be able to figure it out."

Raiford's attorney says everyone has a right to use 'citizens’ arrest.'

"If a crime, misdemeanor, felony is committed in the presence of a private citizen, they have the right to arrest the people that are doing it,” said Beck.