The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Friday morning outside the city limits of Picayune.
Deputies were dispatched to 8 Pauline Lane off Highway 43 North around 5 a.m. in response to a break-in and shooting, Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said.
Witnesses said the incident began when a masked man knocked on the back door of the residence. When the suspected determined the door was unlocked, he entered the home and fired several shots randomly from his handgun, Tucker said.
Six individuals were sleeping in the home at the time of the incident, he said.
The suspect then moved through the house and shot one victim in the neck and leg, Tucker said.
The victim, identified as LaKeith Rawls, 38, of Picayune, was transported to Highland Community Hospital before being sent to Forrest General Hospital. At press time Rawls was listed as being in stable condition, Tucker said.
The suspect was described as a black male wearing a mask. Investigation into the incident is ongoing. At press time, no arrests have been made, Tucker said.
The shooting appears to be related to illegal narcotic activity, Tucker said.