The Meridian Police Department have charged a Meridian man with armed robbery and aggravated assault following a shooting incident that left one person injured.

Michael Antonio Drake Jr., 23, was taken into custody shortly after the incident occurred, Meridian Police Department Sgt. Dareall Thompson. Bond was set at $150,000 for each charge. 

Three other individuals had previously been detained, but have been released, Thompson said.

Meridian police and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office were able to respond quickly to the call, Thompson said.

The shooting happened around midnight in the parking lot of the Bonita Wal-Mart when the victim and the suspect got into a tussle, and struggled over the gun, Thompson said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he is in stable condition.

Charles Crowson Sr. Manager, National Media Relations with Wal-Mart Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas released a statement on behalf of Wal-Mart: “There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our customers and associates each time they come to our stores. After this morning’s incident, we called for police and an ambulance and did everything we could for our customer until help arrived.

“We’re glad to hear our customer is recovering, and we’ll continue working with local police to find those responsible.”