PICAYUNE — An argument during a drug transaction allegedly led to one person being shot and beaten.

That argument was only the beginning of an altercation during which the victim suffered a gunshot to the back before he was kicked, beaten and pistol-whipped. During the assault, the victim was robbed of his cash and a silver necklace.

Three suspects have been arrested, but one, David Anthony Rouse, 18, 57 Rouse Rd., is still on the loose.

County and Picayune law officers responded to the report of a shooting at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Donnie Saucier.

Earlier that day, 25 year-old Kenneth David Smith of 38 Water Oak Lane, Poplarville and three other people drove to 57 Rouse Rd., in an alleged attempt to purchase some marijuana, Saucier said. Smith pulled up outside the home and attempted to make a deal with two of the suspects outside the home, while still in his car. An argument began between Smith, Sampson Joseph Martin, 19, of 114 Summit Dr. and David Anthony Rouse. Martin and Rouse then pulled out handguns and began to shoot at Smith’s car. At that time Israel David Rouse, 59, of 57 Rouse Rd. stepped out of the house and also began to shoot at Smith’s car, Saucier said.

Smith attempted to escape by driving off as the suspects shot at his car. Smith reached the end of the driveway before he crashed into a ditch. Martin, David Rouse and Israel Rouse chased Smith down the driveway in another vehicle, Saucier said. Smith and his three passengers got out of their car and ran in different directions. As Smith attempted to run he was shot once in the back by one of the suspects. Saucier said the department is trying to determine who actually shot Smith.

After Smith was shot, he fell to the ground where Martin, David Rouse and Israel Rouse all began to beat, kick and pistol-whip him, Saucier said. Cash was taken from Smith’s pocket and a silver chain was taken from around Smith’s neck during the assault.

As the beating was going on, Raymond Ronald Rouse, 38, also of 57 Rouse Rd. drove up on a four-wheeler just before law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene. As the officers pulled up Israel Rouse and Martin ran back to the house, while Raymond Rouse and David Rouse fled into the woods on the four-wheeler, Saucier said.

Pearl River County deputies and Picayune Police officers pulled up to find Smith lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his lower back. He was taken by ambulance from the scene and ultimately airlifted to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg for treatment of his wounds. Saucier said Smith was last listed in stable condition.

A firearm was found in the woods during a search of the area where it is believed Raymond Rouse took David Rouse to elude capture. A search of the home at 57 Rouse Rd. uncovered more than 12 firearms, including handguns, rifles and assault rifles, Saucier said.

In the back yard were a small number of marijuana plants, and some loose marijuana was found inside the home, Saucier said.

Israel Rouse was charged with aggravated assault by shooting, armed robbery and manufacture of marijuana. During his arrest Israel Rouse knocked down an officer and attempted to run away while handcuffed, but was quickly apprehended, Saucier said. Israel Rouse was charged additionally with resisting arrest and simple assault on a police officer.

Martin was charged with aggravated assault by shooting and armed robbery. Raymond Rouse was charged with accessory after the fact. David Anthony Rouse is currently wanted by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated assault by shooting and for armed robbery. Information concerning his whereabouts can be directed to 601-403-2500.

Martin and Israel Rouse have both bonded out under A-Outlaw Bonding. Israel Rouse bonded out on a $61,500 bond for all his charges and Israel Rouse bonded out on a $26,000 bond. Saucier said only $1,000 of each suspect’s bond was attributed to the aggravated assault by shooting charge.

Saucier said he appreciates the assistance Ray Rickoll and his night shift officers with the Picayune Police Department provided during the investigation.