Gun shots near school leads to arrest of 29-year-old

Mercedes Boyd

On Monday, May 19 about time for the schools to let out (2:26 p.m.) a report of a female shooting near South Ripley Schools on South Benham Road was reported.

According to the report from Sheriff Rob Bradley, Lt. Adam Hunger responded and investigated what is believed to be a domestic dispute involving two vehicles.

No children were hurt or in danger during the incident that took place on the road between Benham Road and East County Road 300 South. However, school authorities did use the school system to alert parents.

Mercedes Boyd, 29, Versailles, was identified as the shooter. She was traveling behind another vehicle and fired a handgun in the direction of that vehicle. At least one shot was fired, according to police.

Officers from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and the Versailles Police Department responded in less than six minutes from the initial call. They arrested Boyd without incident. She was taken to the Ripley County Jail where she was preliminarily charged with Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm, a level 6 felony, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Editor’s Note: Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.