Arrests expected in Sardis drive-by
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

One man was hit in a drive-by shooting last Wednesday, and two others were injured in fights involving bricks, bottles and cue sticks.

Deshaziur Rouse, 25, was shot in the forearm while standing outside the Social Club in Sardis.

Earlier that night, Rouse and several others got into a fight inside the club which ended when Ray Flowers, 30, was knocked over the head with a cue stick, according to Capt. Frankie Parker of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office.

The fight re-erupted about a block down the road, and Flowers’ friend Eric Council, 19, was allegedly beaten in the face by Rouse and Joshua Ellison, 17, who were armed with bricks and beer bottles.

Rouse and Ellison left the victim and were standing outside the club when a gunman fired at them from a passing vehicle, hitting Rouse in the arm.

“It appears to be a retaliation shooting,” Capt. Parker said.

While no arrests have been made in the actual shooting, Capt. Parker said as many as four people could be charged.

Ellison was arrested on the scene for aggravated assault, and a like charge is pending against Rouse.