By Bonnie Culverhouse

Thanks to police work and a little bit of luck, an alleged shooter is off Minden streets.

Around 10:30 this morning (Thursday, February 29), Det. Sgt. Jason Smith spotted 28-year-old Jaryon Stephens outside a residence on Peach Street. A foot pursuit ensued and several other officers joined in the chase. As a result, Stephens was taken into custody. He is charged with attempted second degree murder, attempted second degree battery, possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest. A charge of burglary may be added.

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Minden citizens can rest easier.

“We are glad to get him off the streets, and I applaud our guys for their hard work,” McIver said.

Stephens has been sought by police after he was identified as the shooter of Minden resident Ronnie Hemphill on Martin Luther King Dr. Hemphill was shot eight times, allegedly by Stephens.

For the full story of Stephens’ apprehension, please see tomorrow’s Webster Parish Journal.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.