Mobile police offers free counseling after New Year’s Eve shooting
The Mobile Police Department on Thursday announced it is offering free counseling and crisis intervention sources to anyone affected by the New Year’s Eve shooting that killed a 24-year-old man and injured nine others downtown, noting that families are “struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident.”
The department’s Victim Services Unit will be providing the resources on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Public Safety Memorial Park at 2301 Airport Blvd. and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Precinct at 2601 Dauphin Island Pkwy.
Those interested in the services who are unable to make either date were encouraged to call the Lifeline Counseling Services 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 251-473-7273.
“Those who are experiencing trauma, whether directly or indirectly, as a result of the gunfire that rang out, are urged to reach out for support,” police said. “Common signs of trauma include fear, anxiety, shock, trouble concentrating or difficulty sleeping.”
Jatarious Reives, 24, was shot and killed as gunfire rang out around 11:14 p.m. in the 200 block of Dauphin Street, just a few blocks from where thousands of people gathered to celebrate during the 15th annual MoonPie Over Mobile event.
The nine people injured in the shooting ranged in age from 17 to 57 and were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to severe.
Two buildings were also struck by gunfire.
After being released from the hospital, Thomas Thomas, 22, was arrested Thursday on charges of murder, assault first degree, shooting into an occupied building and shooting into an unoccupied building in connection with the incident.
Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine has said that police don’t think Reives was one of two shooters believed to be involved.
But Prine on Tuesday said that police do think they know who shot him: Thomas, who was treated for a gunshot chest wound at a local hospital. Reives was known Thomas, Prine said.
“I am outraged at the violence that occurred last night in downtown Mobile. I am beyond disgusted that the actions of one or two individuals with suspected gang affiliations have taken a life, injured others and tarnished what should have been a safe and fun event,” a statement from Mayor Sandy Stimpson on Sunday read.
Prine has said police think the incident involved loosely organized neighborhood gangs, and that they haven’t ruled out a connection to another shootout, similar in its disregard for bystanders, that took place Dec. 27 in the self-checkout area of the Walmart on Mobile’s I-65 beltline.
The services offered by the Victims Services Unit are made possible by Project THRIVE, Mobile’s trauma-informed care network, police said.
“The Victim Services Unit has received calls for help from families struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident and is extending its support to the entire community,” the department said.