MITCHELL– Two individuals were arrested on Tuesday, October 30, following a heated domestic dispute at a residence on Green Acres Road that escalated into a confrontation involving gunfire. Brandi L. Hayworth, 46, and Jeremiah I. Fulps, 44, face multiple charges after law enforcement responded to the scene.
According to the Lawrence County Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 4:30 p.m. in response to a reported battery. Upon arriving, officers spoke with Fulps, who claimed that a juvenile had slapped him during a confrontation involving an injured donkey. Fulps expressed his desire to pursue charges against the juvenile.
However, as officers investigated the incident, it became clear that the situation had escalated further. Sgt. Robin Compton and Officer Kenton Carter were informed by neighbors that Brandi Hayworth had fired multiple rounds from a handgun during the altercation.
Investigators later learned that during the argument, Fulps was verbally confronting the family at the neighboring property, where he was heard making derogatory remarks and threats. Witnesses provided audio evidence of the incident, in which Fulps can be heard shouting and stating that he had been assaulted. During the argument, Brandi Hayworth was captured on the recording firing two shots from a handgun, which was later identified as a 9mm pistol.
Witnesses further reported seeing Hayworth waving the handgun around and firing the shots in a threatening manner. One juvenile witness confirmed that he saw Hayworth shoot once to the right and twice into the ground during the argument.
Additional witnesses corroborated the account of the gunfire, with one stating that he heard three gunshots during the altercation.
After conducting interviews and gathering evidence, officers approached Brandi Hayworth at the 118 Green Acres address. Hayworth resisted the arrest attempt, and during the search, a handgun matching the description of the weapon involved in the shooting was found nearby in plain view and was confiscated as evidence.
Both Hayworth and Fulps were arrested on the scene. Hayworth was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony. Fulps, who had become increasingly agitated during the investigation, was arrested for interfering with public safety and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
As officers prepared to transport Hayworth to the police vehicle, Fulps continued to be disruptive, following the officers and yelling. He then struck the police vehicle as Sgt. Compton attempted to drive away. Fulps fled on foot when officers tried to take him into custody and was eventually tackled after a brief chase. He was treated for injuries sustained from a fall and later cleared for release before being taken to the Lawrence County Security Center.
Both individuals were booked into jail, with Brandi Hayworth facing charges related to the gunfire and Jeremiah Fulps facing charges for his disruptive behavior and resistance to arrest.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
