Suspect arrested in Kokomo shootings

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) - One person is dead, two others seriously wounded, and one man was arrested following a series of shootings Thursday in Kokomo.

Kokomo Police have arrested 36-year-old Turama Stitts of Kokomo on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Earlier in the evening, Kokomo Police established a four block perimeter near the 600 block of E. Taylor Street and were still searching as of 5 p.m.

Officers were called to the first scene at 11:33 where they found 48-year-old Argena Williams suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He later died at a local hospital.

Ten minutes later, officers were called to the 400 block of N. Purdum Street where they discovered 40-year-old Miriam Mallory, also suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to a local hospital. Her condition is unknown.

At 1:10 p.m., officers were called to the 600 block of E. Taylor Street where they found 51-year-old Ricky Patterson also suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Medics took him to an area hospital. His condition is also unknown.

Witnesses told officers they saw a black man wearing a beige Carhart style jacket running from the scene. Police set up a perimeter and began looking for the man.

Thursday’s shootings come on the heels of a Wednesday night shooting that left a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

Police believe Stitts acted alone regarding the shooting from Wednesday night and Thursdays multiple shootings.

Kokomo Police Lt. Don Whitehead, who is set to retire in a week, says he’s never seen a string of crime like this in his decades with the Kokomo Police Department.

Anyone with nformation regarding these incidents is asked to contact Capt. Teresa Galloway at 765-456-7326, the Kokomo Police Hotline at 456-7017, or you may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with your anonymous information.