On Friday, May 20, at 2:57 p.m., the Salem 911 Center received a call reporting possible gun shots in the S. Broad St. and School Lane area. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a disturbance between neighbors had ensued in front of a residence in the 10 Block of School Lane. It also was determined that a shot was discharged from a firearm during the dispute.
After further investigation, 24-year-old Trey I. Prater of Ft. Myers Beach, Florida was arrested that same evening and charged with Attempted Malicious Shooting, Reckless Handling of a Firearm and Discharging a Firearm within City Limits. In addition, 48-year-old Jay Gilliland of Salem was charged with Public Intoxication. No injuries were reported, as a result of the exchange.
At the time of the incident, elementary schools in Salem, including nearby G.W. Carver, had dismissed students for the day. However, out of an abundance of caution, Salem HIgh School. Andrew Lewis Middle School and the after school program at East Salem Elementary were placed on lockdown. This lasted approxmately 15 minutes until police were able to properly assess the situation.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Police Department at 540-375-3078.