Man surrenders in shooting of Mississippi watermelon vendor

Covington County officials say a man wanted for a weekend shooting turned himself in Monday evening., WLBT reported.

Kevin Drummond, 44, is charged with aggravated assault and strong-armed robbery in the shooting of a watermelon vendor just before noon Saturday on U.S. 49 in Mount Olive,  investigator Tony Puckett said. 

Drummond asked the victim if he had change for a $100 bill.

"As (the victim) pulled his money out of his pocket, (Drummond) grabbed the money and his cellphone," Puckett said. 

A struggle ensued, then Drummond pulled a small handgun from his pocket and shot the victim in the left hip, Puckett said. Drummond fled the scene and headed northbound on U.S. 49 toward Magee.

The sheriff's department was able to get the license plate of the vehicle, which did not belong to Drummond.  The vehicle's owner cooperated with law enforcement to help identify Drummond.

The unidentified victim was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and released late Saturday/early Sunday, Puckett said.

Do you have a crime to report? Contact Lici Beveridge at 601-584-3104 or lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev.