BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) - The Bloomington Police Department arrested two men following a shooting at an apartment complex last week.
BPD reports that on Nov. 19, officers responded to the Union at Crescent apartment complex off Crescent Road for a possible shooting and an injured female.
According to court documents, officers arrived in the area after the shooting had ended and detained two suspects, Davonjae Strong, 42, and Ray Weems Jr., 33.
Police recovered 23 bullet casings and found the injured female, who was transported to an area hospital for a head injury.
Court documents say that in a follow-up investigation with the female, she reported to police that Strong was involved in a shooting "with people she didn't know."
BPD says the woman also reported that after the shooting, Strong approached her and hit her several times in the head with a handgun, resulting in two lacerations to her head.
According to court documents, in an interview, Strong denied striking the female with the gun, but acknowledged being in the area of the shooting, and said he "was in fear for his life."
Police say that Strong was seen in surveillance video with a gun wearing "some" of the same clothing he had on at the time he was detained, and can be seen holding and aiming a semi-automatic handgun.
Court documents say surveillance video also showed Strong battering the woman with the gun. Police also learned that Strong has a previous felony conviction, and was not permitted to have access to a firearm.
Strong was booked on charges of:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony
- Battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony
- Criminal recklessness, a Level 5 felony
Online court records show Strong had his initial court appearance and entered a plea of not guilty. He is due back in court for a pretrial conference on Jan. 22.
The other man who was detained, Ray Weems Jr. was also interviewed by police.
Court documents say that Weems can be seen in surveillance video "holding a semi-automatic handgun and pointing it in an area where people were." Police described Weems as "actively involved in the shooting."
Court documents say Weems admitted to having a handgun and said that he was being shot at and attempted to shoot back, but that the gun safety was on and was unable to fire the weapon.
Police say after being shown an image of himself, he later admitted to his involvement in the shooting. Court documents say Weems Jr. has a previous felony conviction and was not permitted to have access to a firearm.
According to court documents, police were unable to locate the gun, but did find a bullet in Weems pocket and on the ground. Police say he would not disclose where he put the firearm and acknowledged he is not allowed to have a handgun.
Weems was arrested and charged with Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony.
He is being held on no bond until a bail hearing on Dec. 6.
