ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston Police Department has made several arrests following a series of reported gunfire incidents involving residences and vehicles across the city, according to officials.
Investigators began working the cases immediately after receiving reports and were able to identify multiple individuals believed to be connected to the incidents.
On April 4, 2026, patrol officers attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of Rocky Hollow Road and Christine Avenue on a vehicle linked to the investigation. The driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit.
During the pursuit, a passenger—identified as 18-year-old Zavion Lynch of Anniston—fled on foot and was quickly apprehended. Officers also recovered an AR-15-style pistol that was thrown from the vehicle during the chase.
The pursuit continued until the vehicle stopped near McCoy Avenue and West 23rd Street. The driver, Javon Williams, 21, of Jacksonville, and passenger Jaterius Groce, 21, of Anniston, were taken into custody. A handgun found inside the vehicle was later confirmed to have been reported stolen through the Anniston Police Department.
A fourth passenger fled on foot and was not immediately apprehended. Authorities later identified the individual as Zyquan Ackles, 19, of Anniston, and obtained a warrant for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
The following charges were filed in connection with the April 4 incident:
- Javon Williams — Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree; Felony Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement
- Zavion Lynch — Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement
- Jaterius Groce — Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree; Reckless Endangerment
Police stated Groce was charged with reckless endangerment after investigators determined he negligently discharged a firearm inside the vehicle during the pursuit.
On the morning of April 7, 2026, law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant in the 1500 block of McCall Drive in Anniston. The operation involved the Anniston Police Department’s Investigative and Special Operations Divisions, the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, Alabama Probation and Parole, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
During the search, officers recovered illegal drugs and six firearms. Authorities reported that one firearm had previously been reported stolen through the Oxford Police Department, and another was equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
The following individuals were arrested in connection with the search warrant:
- Victoria Pope, 45, of Anniston — Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm
- Deorderick Searcy, 21, of Anniston — Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree
- Travis Turner, 22, of Anniston — Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm
Following the search, investigators continued operations at a residence in the 700 block of East 22nd Street, where additional arrests were made.
Zyquan Ackles was taken into custody on his outstanding warrant for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
Darnell Thomas Jr., 23, of Anniston, was also arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstructing justice using a false identity, and multiple outstanding warrants, including fraudulent use of a credit/debit card, probation violation, and failure to appear. Investigators also recovered another stolen firearm at the residence.
Officials stated that the coordinated operation utilized drones, a K9 unit, and aerial support to enhance officer safety and operational effectiveness.
The Anniston Police Department acknowledged the assistance of partnering agencies, including the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, Alabama Probation and Parole, and the ATF.
Authorities indicated the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are expected.
