Warrant Issued In Family Feud Drive-By Shooting

August 10, 2012

A warrant has been issued for a Pensacola man wanted in connection with an incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon on West Jackson Street when multiple shots were fired at a house.

Rufus Marcel Abrams, 22, address unavailable, is wanted for six counts of aggravated assault with a weapon, and one count each of attempted murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

While a motive for the incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of West Jackson Street, remains under investigation, it is believed to stem from a homicide that occurred December 17, 2011, in the 1200 block of West Moreno Street.

Keondrick Abrams, 17, of the 2700 block of West Yonge Street, who was Rufus Abrams’ cousin, was shot to death in the December incident and died at the scene. Tykey Douglas, 17, of the 3100 block of Cedarwood Village, Pensacola, also was shot.

James Dortch, 20, of 911 S. Madison Dr., Pensacola, was arrested December 27, 2011, and Novel Austin Jr., 20, of 213 South J St., Pensacola was arrested December 28, 2011. Both were charged with one count of attempted homicide and one count of premeditated homicide.

Detective James Reese said since the December shootings, Pensacola Police have investigated several incidents where shots were fired involving members of the Abrams family threatening the Dortch family.

The most recent incident occurred Tuesday after a court hearing for Novel Austin and James Dortch at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Center, 190 Governmental Center. Reese said there were disturbances between the Abrams and Dortch families Tuesday inside and outside the judicial center as they were leaving.

The West Jackson Street incident occurred a short time after the families left the judicial center. The suspects approached the house on foot and multiple shots were fired before the suspects entered a vehicle nearby and left the area.

The Gun Crime Response Team is being utilized in the investigation of this incident, and additional arrests are pending as the investigation continues, said Capt. David Alexander.

Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.

Comments

4 Responses to “Warrant Issued In Family Feud Drive-By Shooting”

  1. Doug on August 10th, 2012 2:31 pm

    There’s a Gun Crimes Response Team in Pensacola? They must be a busy group with all the fire arms related incidents lately. Capt Alexander, tell the team to stay strong. It’s been a long summer.

  2. PensacolaEd on August 10th, 2012 7:02 am

    But wait, he’s a convicted felon, how can he get a gun? Just more proof that gun laws don’t stop criminals and thugs.

  3. Good on August 10th, 2012 6:36 am

    More like Dumbs and Dumbers!

  4. Peace Lover on August 10th, 2012 12:31 am

    Hatfields and McCoys!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News