Griffin shooting involved rival gangs

A March 23 shooting at a popular park in Griffin was gang related, Spalding sheriff Wendell Beam reported Monday night. A suspect has been identified.The full release from Maj. Wendell Beam follows:On March 23, 2012 @ 4:00 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to Wyomia Tyus Park located at 1301 Cowan Road reference to a person shot. Officers arrived and located a large crowd gathered at the pavilion area near the lake. The person shot was identified as a 16 year old juvenile who was located and turned over to Emergency Medical personnel who later was air lifted to an Atlanta Hospital.According to Sheriff Beam investigators have found that the shooting was gang related involving two rival gangs located in Spalding County. The gathering was to celebrate ‘junior skip day’ which involved both students from Griffin and Spalding High School. A fight broke out and that during the fight guns were brought in and the victim was shot. The suspect ran from the scene with friends of the victim chasing him and firing shots from the gun that the victim had in his possession. 17 year old Sebastian Deaudre Williams of Griffin was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault; possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18, for his actions of shooting at the suspect as he fled the scene.The suspect has been identified as 16 year old Lederrick Dontae Pitts of Griffin who is wanted for Aggravated Assault; Aggravated Battery; Participation in a Criminal Street Gang; Possession of a Firearm during the commission of a crime; Possession of a Firearm by a person under the age of 18. Pitts is armed and considered dangerous. Sheriff Beam is asking the community that if anyone knows the whereabouts of Pitts to contact local law enforcement of his location. Your information will remain anonymous.The investigation continues and more arrest are expected. It should be noted that this seems to be an isolated incident and there have not been any similar type of incidents in any of the Spalding County Parks.