Multiple Arrests Made Following Anniston Police Investigation into Gunfire Incidents
ANNISTON — A series of arrests have been made following an ongoing investigation by the Anniston Police Department into multiple reports of residences and vehicles being struck by gunfire across the city.
According to the Anniston Police Department, investigators began working the cases immediately after receiving the reports and were able to identify several individuals believed to be connected to the incidents.
On April 4, 2026, patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Rocky Hollow Road and Christine Avenue that contained individuals connected to the investigations. Police said the driver refused to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit.
During the pursuit, one passenger, later identified as Zavion Lynch, 18, of Anniston, fled the vehicle on foot but was quickly apprehended by patrol officers. Authorities said an AR-15 pistol was thrown from the vehicle during the chase and was later recovered from the roadway by officers.
The driver continued fleeing before eventually stopping near the intersection of McCoy Avenue and West 23rd Street. Police identified the driver as Javon Williams, 21, of Jacksonville. Another passenger, Jaterius Groce, 21, of Anniston, was also taken into custody.
Investigators later confirmed that a handgun found inside the vehicle had previously been reported stolen through the Anniston Police Department.
Another passenger fled from the vehicle during the stop and was not immediately apprehended. The suspect was later identified as Zyquan Ackles, 19, of Anniston. Authorities obtained a warrant for Ackles on a charge of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
The individuals apprehended during the April 4 incident face several charges.
Williams has been charged with receiving stolen property in the second degree and felony fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
Lynch has been charged with receiving stolen property in the second degree and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
Groce has been charged with receiving stolen property in the second degree and reckless endangerment. Police said Groce was charged with reckless endangerment after officers determined that he negligently discharged a firearm inside the fleeing vehicle during the pursuit.
On the morning of April 7, 2026, the Anniston Police Department Investigative Division, along with members of the department’s Special Operations Division, the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, Alabama Probation and Parole, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), executed a search warrant in the 1500 block of McCall Drive in Anniston.
Authorities said the search resulted in the recovery of illegal drugs and six firearms. Among the firearms recovered was one that had previously been reported stolen through the Oxford Police Department and another firearm equipped with a machine-gun conversion device.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with the search warrant.
Victoria Pope, 45, of Anniston, was charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.
Deorderick Searcy, 21, of Anniston, was charged with possession of marijuana in the first degree.
Travis Turner, 22, of Anniston, was also charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.
Following the search, investigators with the Anniston Police Department and members of the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit continued the investigation in the 700 block of East 22nd Street.
During that operation, officers located and arrested Ackles on his outstanding warrant for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
Police also arrested Darnell Thomas Jr., 23, of Anniston, charging him with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstructing justice using a false identification, and several outstanding warrants, including fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, probation violation, and failure to appear.
Investigators also reported recovering another stolen firearm inside the residence.
Authorities said the operations involved a high level of coordination between multiple agencies. The operation utilized drone technology from the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, a K-9 unit, and aerial support provided by the Oxford Police Department to help ensure officer safety and the success of the operation.
The Anniston Police Department expressed appreciation to the agencies that assisted in the investigation, including the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, Alabama Probation and Parole, and the ATF.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Police also emphasized that violent crime and illegal firearm activity will not be tolerated in Anniston.
“If you choose to commit crimes in our community, we will identify you, we will locate you, and you will be held accountable,” the department said in its statement.
