MOUNT VERNON — A 33-year-old Mt. Vernon man was arrested Monday when police responded to a report of a large group of people fighting at Veterans Park on the 27th, with one person reportedly brandishing a handgun.
According to Mt. Vernon police, around 5:06 p.m. Monday, officers first responded to the area of 24th and Lamar for a report of a disturbance and fight involving around 15-20 people.
Upon the officer’s arrival, the group began to disperse, but no one was willing to cooperate with the police and no offense information was obtained.
Then around 5:30 p.m., the Mt Vernon Police Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a large fight at Veterans Park, at 800 South 27th. Callers also reported one person was brandishing a handgun.
Upon the officer’s arrival they were able to locate the suspect reported to be armed amongst a crowd of around 50 – 75 people.
Numerous skirmishes between those involved were also taking place. Officers observed a male subject, later identified as 33-year-old Antonio McShane, battering another individual. Numerous people also reported McShane was the person who had been brandishing a firearm.
When officers attempted to take McShane into custody he began to resist arrest. Officers further learned the firearm had allegedly been placed inside a van on the parking lot. Numerous people were attempting to bypass officers to gain entry into the van.
The officers initiated a call for all available officers to respond to the scene. Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and off-duty officers, who were arriving for work, also responded.
Officers were able to form a line to secure the area around the van and other officers as they attempted to interview witnesses.
All officers remained on scene for about forty-five minutes before clearing. Two officers remained on scene to ensure the subjects involved all cleared the area.
The van was towed to the Mt Vernon Police Department where a search warrant was executed and a loaded handgun was reportedly located inside.
McShane was transported to the Jefferson County Jail on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. He remains in jail pending a judicial review.
In addition to McShane, two female juveniles were detained by officers during the incident for obstructing officers. Both females were issued citations for Resisting Arrest / Obstructing and released to parents.