Bibb County Deputies Arrest Four After Shots Fired Near Northpark Center

UPDATE: The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit has made four arrests in connection with the shooting investigation that occurred inside the parking lot of Northpark Center, located at 156 Tom Hill Senior Boulevard. The incident occurred at 1:41 p.m., Monday afternoon.

The suspects were identified as twenty-one-year-old, Justin Caleb Epps, and eighteen-year-olds Aubrey Blash, Elijah Johnson, and Tyrese Haslem. All suspects were transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center just before 8:30 p.m., Monday evening.

• Justin Caleb Epps is charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony and Possession of Marijuana with the intent to Distribute.
• Aubrey Blash is charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana with the intent to Distribute, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, and Reckless Conduct with a Firearm.
• Elijah Johnson was charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana with the intent to Distribute, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Conduct with a Firearm.
• Tyrese Haslem was charged with Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana with the intent to Distribute, and Reckless Conduct with a Firearm.

Justin Epps, Aubrey Blash, Elijah Johnson and Tyrese Haslem are currently being held without bond.

Original Post:

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident that happened Monday afternoon inside the Northpark Center at 156 Tom Hill Senior Boulevard. The call came in at 1:41 p.m.

Deputies first responded to Northside Drive, just north of Tom Hill Senior Boulevard, after reports of gunfire in the area. When they arrived, several males were seen getting out of an SUV that had stopped in the roadway. The 21-year-old owner of the vehicle, who was armed, ran from the scene but was quickly caught by deputies.

An 18-year-old who also fled dropped a book bag while running and was apprehended shortly after. Deputies then spotted another armed 18-year-old behind the shopping center and took him into custody without incident.

Witnesses told deputies that a fourth suspect ran toward Kroger. Responding units located the 18-year-old in the parking lot and detained him without further issues.

Deputies recovered multiple firearms, bags of marijuana, and several book bags. All four suspects were taken to Investigation Headquarters for questioning. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and more details will be released as they become available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.