The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded around 3:00 p.m. on November 4, to a disturbance in the 8800 block of Whippoorwill Road.

According to the department, deputies encountered Billy Ray Ethridge Jr. and learned he had allegedly trespassed on private property and fired a weapon multiple times, damaging personal property. During the investigation, deputies determined Ethridge is a convicted felon and found him in possession of firearms.

The East Mississippi Drug Task Force took over the case and charged Ethridge with Felon in Possession of Firearm(s). His bond was set at $100,000. Authorities said he is currently on parole, and the case will be presented to the next available grand jury.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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