Two charged in drive-by shootings

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Two suspects have been arrested in connection with shooting incidents that occurred this week in Pensacola, and the Pensacola Police Department said more arrests are possible as the investigation continues.

William Johnson Jr., 23, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Aaron K. Allen, 18, of has been charged with attempted murder and accessory after the fact.

Both were charged in connection with a shooting that occurred around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday at the corner of Sixth Avenue and DeSoto Street.

Police said a 15-year-old and 14-year-old were standing at the corner of Sixth Avenue and DeSoto Street when a 4-door red or maroon car pulled up to them.

Officials said the victim said the driver’s side rear passenger showed a handgun out the window and fired a single shot, and the vehicle then left the area.

Police said they found the victim outside a house in the 900 block of North Sixth Avenue. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment after he was shot in the thigh.

“These investigations have involved officers from all division within our department,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “They have spent many hours trying to identify and find the suspects, and I am proud of their efforts.”

Johnson was arrested just before 12:30 a.m. Saturday and Allen was arrested around 3:30 a.m.

Authorities said the investigation also determined Allen and Johnson were involved with an incident that occurred just before midnight Tuesday.

Police say investigators responded to the area after a woman called 911 and said a 4-door maroon car had just stopped in front of her father’s house and that someone had fired several shots at the house. No one inside the residence was injured.

Also, police said officers also were dispatched to the home about 12:48 a.m. Thursday after a 55-year-old woman called police and said she was sleeping when she was awakened by the sound of gunfire. Investigators said the woman told police she jumped out of bed, but did not see who had fired the three shots into the residence. No one was injured.

Motives for the shootings remain under investigation.

Anyone having information on the incidents is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.