Arrests made in shots fired investigation
Published 9:43 am Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Two individuals were arrested during the ongoing investigation of shots fired Sunday night.
Christopher Edward Coleman, 32
According to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger, Christopher Edward Coleman, 32, and his girlfriend, Samantha Grace Bennett, 35, both of Austin, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Officers responded to a report of shots fired at 11:15 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of First Avenue and Second Street Southeast. Coleman, who lives at the apartment complex at 105 Second St. SE, approached the officers and said his 2004 silver Chevy Monte Carlo was stolen. He said the suspects shot at his residence.
Officers allegedly found four spent bullet cartridges nearby. They set up a perimeter and began speaking to residence of the complex.
The stolen car was found, still running and unoccupied, in the 200 block of First Street Southeast. A witness told police that two black men exited the vehicle and ran from the scene. Spent bullet cartridges, different from the ones found at the complex, were allegedly found inside the vehicle.
Samantha Grace Bennett, 35
Police then executed a search warrant on the apartment complex and allegedly found a Springfield nine-millimeter pistol hidden in the complex’s common laundry area.
Coleman was arrested and is facing a possible charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Bennett was also arrested and is facing a possible charge of aiding an offender. Bennett allegedly told police Coleman asked her to hide the pistol.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Mower County Law Enforcement Center at 507-437-9400. Callers can remain anonymous.
