Arrest made in Vinson Village shooting. City ramps up policing in wake of gun crimes

An 18-year-old Dublin man is being transported back to Dublin after he was arrested in Charleston, S.C. in connection with the recent shootings in the Vinson Village area.

Dublin Mayor Joshua Kight said Dontavis Lovett was a suspect in the shooting that occurred a few weeks ago. The mayor said it was important to update the citizens of Dublin regarding the actions the city was taking to address security in neighborhoods that had recently been impacted by gun crimes.

“The city appreciates the cooperation and assistance provided by the marshals service in bringing this fugitive into custody,” Kight said. “Our police force is continuing to work with state and other law enforcement agencies to bring additional suspects to justice.” 

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Regarding incidents that happened on May 17 and 25, the Dublin Police Department had also arrested two suspects involved with gun crimes. The mayor said those suspects are in jail awaiting further charges.

He added that City Manager Josh Powell has authorized additional overtime for the DPD, allowing for, “increased and persistent patrols.” Kight said the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting by providing additional manpower.

Dublin Police Chief Keith Moon has issued a directive when it comes to the department’s chase policy, allowing for additional pursuit of suspects in specific circumstances.

“The city’s investment in gunshot detection devices has allowed the force to respond within minutes to each incident,” Kight said. “The department is also actively using remote cameras, drones and other technology to increase coverage of impacted neighborhoods.

Kight and city council members have talked with Powell and Moon to make sure police officers have all the tools and support needed to keep the community safe.

The mayor encouraged citizens to come forward with any information that could help identify and locate suspects in these crimes. They can contact anonymously through Crimestoppers hotline at (478) 275-0803 or report a crime anonymously using the DPD’s crime text program by texting (478) 595-7279. Kight said people may also include links, photos, videos and other supporting evidence in their report.