ZenBlog

UPDATE |

ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — Altoona police are providing new details about the investigation into a New Year's Day shots fired incident that led to the arrests of four teenagers, and authorities searching for a fifth suspect.

On Thursday, police charged Domenico Pezzuti, Eli Rodgers, Hezikiah Stehley, Imeen Whitaker, and Ezekiel Williams, all age 16, in connection to the incident.

According to the affidavit, police were dispatched early New Year's Day morning for reports of several shots being fired in the area of 4th Street and 7th Avenue.

Police say multiple witnesses reported hearing the shots, including the caller who claimed to hear shots from a pellet gun, followed by 6 to 12 shots from a small caliber weapon.

Authorities say multiple searches of the area led to the discovery of various evidence related to shots being fired or some sort of altercation, including a discarded pellet gun, spent 9mm shell casings and two kitchen knives, one of which reportedly had blood on it.

Police say officers initially found both Whitaker and Williams in the general vicinity of the incident, who were then taken into custody to be questioned by police.

Authorities noted that Williams was reportedly found hiding under a vehicle and a search of his fanny pack led to the seizure of marijuana and 33 .22 caliber bullets.

Upon further investigation, police say officers spoke with another witness, whose house was reportedly struck by a bullet. Police added that nearby surveillance footage reportedly showed one of the juvenile suspects fleeing into the home.

Police say officers searched the residence and discovered Rodgers sleeping inside the home.

Authorities say when they questioned Whitaker about the incident, he stated that he, Pezzuti and Stehley were reportedly "hanging out" and playing video games when they left and met with another group of juveniles.

Police say Whitaker allegedly claimed that there was "beef" between Pezzuti, Stehley and the other juveniles.

Investigators during the "meet up," an unidentified juvenile reportedly started shooting at the teens, followed by the juveniles allegedly pulling out guns and returning fire.

According to the affidavit, police say they spoke with staff at the Altoona School District, including the school's police officer, who claimed that the juveniles were all involved in an alleged "gang war."

The school also informed police that both Rodgers and Williams had recently been expelled from school due to ongoing violence and fighting.

Police say a search of the teens' phones led to the discovery of various messages and social media posts that indicated that Williams, Stehley, Pezzuti and Whitaker had been "keeping tabs" on Rodgers and had been planning to harm him in some way.

Authorities add that the teens reportedly intended to kill Rodgers.

On Thursday, authorities arrested Whitaker, Williams, Pezzuti and Rodgers, as police are still searching for Stehley.

Police say all of the teens are facing charges of conspiracy to commit attempted homicide, except for Rodgers, who was charged with aggravated assault.

According to online court records, Whitaker and Rodgers have since been released on unsecured bail, while Williams and Pezzuti are being housed in the Blair County Prison.

Stehley was taken into custody late Friday afternoon and is jailed on $150,000 bail.

ORIGINAL |

Police say four teenagers have been taken into custody in connection to a shots fired incident on New Year's Day in the city of Altoona, and authorities are searching for a fifth suspect.

Authorities say in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, officers were dispatched to the area of 4th Street and 7th Avenue for reports of shots being fired.

Investigators say police engaged in multiple foot pursuits with the five teenage suspects, who were identified as Domenico Pezzuti, Eli Rodgers, Hezikiah Stehley, Imeen Whitaker, and Ezekiel Williams, all 16 years of age.

Police say warrants were issued for their arrests and on Thursday, authorities took them all into custody, except for Stehley.

Authorities say all five teens are being charged as adults.

Police say Pezzuti, Whitaker, Williams and Stehley are all charged with criminal conspiracy to commit attempted homicide, while Rodgers has been charged with aggravated assault.

No further details regarding the investigation have been released at this time and police say the teens are awaiting arraignment.

Anyone with information regarding Stehley's whereabouts is asked to contact the Altoona Police Department.

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