Center PD Investigates Shooting on Shelbyville Street

June 4, 2015 - .The Center Police Department is currently investigating a shooting which took place on Shelbyville Street at L&L Storage in Center on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. When officers arrived just after 12-noon one man had been Center Police Sgt. Duane Gordon and Officer Michelle Ashworth held the scene with the injured Ventura until ACE EMS arrived.shot in the leg and the shooter was still on the scene.

A witness who drove by the facility as the altercation took place stated to Shelby County Today he had seen a man, who has been unofficially identified as Johnny Aguilar Ventura, standing by a bicycle at the entrance to the facility throwing cans of food at a man who has been identified as Lonnie Ray Lawrence, the owner of the facility.

A verbal altercation is believed to have been the catalyst which developed into a violent resolution. Another witness stated Lawrence had been mowing the grass at the facility when they heard a "bang" and thought the mower had struck a rock; however, Lawrence had allegedly fired a gun and shot Ventura in the leg.

CPD Detective David Haley is seen above photographing evidence markers at the sceneACE EMS arrived at the scene following the police, began examining Ventura, and transported him to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment.

Lawrence was transported to the police department for questioning and has since been released as of 3pm. The incident remains under investigation by Center Police Department investigators.

According to a press release issued by the Center Police Department, upon arrival it was discovered through witnesses and video of the incident that Lawrence had been assaulted by Ventura, an illegal citizen.

While Lawrence was being assaulted, he was able to retrieve his firearm and fire one shot at Ventura, striking him once in the leg. Lawrence was able to keep Ventura at bay as he called the Police.

Ventura was transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department, treated and released for his non life threatening injury.

Center Police Detective Stephen Stroud states all the information and evidence points to a clear case of self-defense by Lawrence and the investigation continues.

Ventura is known by local law enforcement to be violent and is facing charges of assault and terroristic threat.

Ventura was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. He is currently (June 4, 2015) being held at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.