By Pat Culverhouse

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver’s evening shopping trip turned into a duty call when he found himself involved in breaking up a fight involving multiple individuals which began inside the local Walmart and spilled into the parking lot.

As a result, four individuals reportedly now find themselves facing charges ranging from disturbing the peace to aggravated battery. 

McIver said 18-year-old Jatravion L. Rogers, a Joel St. resident, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery, simple battery and disturbing the peace for his part in the melee.

Three others: Latonya Carter, Zeniya Carter and Devon Porter, were also taken into custody on a charge of disturbing the peace.

Officers responding to a call of a disturbance at the discount store just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday were told Chief McIver was attempting to defuse a situation and were asked to “step it up.”  On arrival, officers found their Chief in the parking lot attempting to calm a situation involving two females.

After questioning, officers learned the disturbance began inside the store between four individuals when Rogers allegedly “pulled the hair” of one female. McIver reportedly intervened and the suspects moved outside where the disturbance continued.

During the fracas in the parking lot, Rogers allegedly threw golf ball sized rocks, hitting two of the combatants in the leg. While the Chief attempted to separate the individuals, screaming and threats continued until backup units arrived.

As he was trying to separate the individuals, McIver was nearly struck by a vehicle attempting to leave the scene.

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.