Hagerstown teen arrested in Florida, charged with two Maryland shootings, one fatal
(200 – 300 blocks of N. Mulberry Str., Image credit: Google Maps)
Yesterday, Maryland’s Hagerstown Police Department (HPD) announced the arrest of 17-year-old Gage John Coles who has been charged in two shootings, one resulting in the murder of a 27-year-old Hagerstown man.
On October 23, police officers responded to the 200 and 300 blocks of N. Mulberry Street for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located two victims with gunshot wounds. Both subjects were transported to Meritus Medical Center.
John Anthony Leonard IV, age 27 of Hagerstown, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Image credit: HPD
The second victim, identified as Jaseye Stephens, age 22 of Hagerstown was flown to R. Adam Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore. He is currently still being treated at that location.
Officers responding to the scene used a tourniquet on Stephens helping to save his life. Both shooting victims were friends, and both were together when fired upon.
On October 26, Detectives with the HPD secured an arrest warrant for Gage John Coles, age 17 of Hagerstown, for 1st degree murder and other related charges in Leonard’s death. Coles was apprehended in Manatee County, Florida, that same morning around 8:00 am.
Additionally, detectives and officers executed two search and seizure warrants at two Hagerstown homes. Evidence of the shooting, which included a handgun, is being processed.
Coles has also been charged in relation to the shooting of Jaseye Stephens. He has been charged as an adult in both incidents. Coles is the single shooter, striking the deceased twice with gunfire and Stephens twice, once in the femoral artery.
The Hagerstown Police Department reported that their investigation into Coles’ shootings remains active.
Detectives continue to determine who was involved and if further charges for any of them are appropriate. HPD would like to thank the Manatee Co Sheriff’s Office in Florida for their assistance as well as the Washington County Special Response Team for their efforts on executing the search warrants.
Coles is currently detained in Florida and is awaiting an extradition hearing. He is charged with the following:
- 1st & 2nd Degree Murder
- Attempt 1st & 2nd Degree Murder
- 1st & 2nd Degree Assault (2 counts each)
- Reckless Endangerment
- Numerous Handgun related charges
(Source: Hagerstown Police Department)
~ Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
