On Nov. 13, Picayune Police officers responded to the area of North Jackson Avenue at 11:07 p.m. in reference to gunshots being fired, said Jeremy Magri, assistant to the chief of police.

Magri said while patrolling the area, officers observed a vehicle facing westbound on Second Street that was occupied by two male suspects identified as Zetrick Greer II, 19, of 1116 Clarenda St. and Dedrick Thomas, 29, of 1112 E. Canal St.

Officers approached the vehicle and saw the passenger of the vehicle, Thomas, exit the vehicle and reach toward the floorboard, twice, as if he was attempting to hide or pick up something, Magri said.

The officer ordered Thomas to the rear of the vehicle and ordered the driver, Greer, to exit the vehicle. While Greer was getting out of the vehicle, the officer saw a handgun magazine fall onto the ground, Magri said.

He said the officer ordered Greer to place his hands on top the vehicle and waited for back-up to arrive.

Magri said once back-up arrived, officers checked the vehicle and located a second magazine laying on the front seat of the vehicle. There was also a bottle of vodka on the front seat and a Colt .45 handgun.

While speaking to Greer, officers saw something in his mouth, Magri said. The officer told Greer to spit out the object, but Greer refused, Magri said. A “tussle” ensued and the officer continued to give several orders to spit the object out, he said.

The officer then used an Electronic Control Device in an attempt to get Greer to spit out the object, Magri said. Greer spit out the object, which was identified as several off-white, rock-like substances, which were believed to be crack cocaine, Magri said.

Deputy Police Chief Chad Dorn said Greer was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1,500 feet of a school or church and violent possession of a firearm.

Dorn said Thomas was arrested for possession of a weapon by a felon and possession of untaxed whiskey.