Shots fired near soldiers guarding military facility

Four shots were fired, Perry County Sheriff Jimmy Dale Smith told CNN.

All told, about 4,600 soldiers are participating in the exercises to train active soldiers, reserve soldiers and the National Guard together. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been asked to assist, and the FBI has been made aware of the incident, officials said.

WDAM reported the shots were fired around 12:10 p.m. while soldiers were taking part in an exercise drill. Investigators questioned two people in connection with another vehicle that were later cleared in the case.

Deputies were immediately sent to the residence where the vehicle was found.

According to Ryan Moore of WDAM-TV, a pickup truck matching the description was found off Old Augusta Road in the neighboring town of New Augusta, Mississippi. Investigators believe more than one person was involved, but they’re still investigating, he said. No injuries were reported, authorities said.

Police said the driver who, they said, fatally struck a skateboarder in Northwest Miami-Dade and then fled from the scene has turned himself in.

This summer’s training focuses on teaching troops how to operate on the platoon level — generally about 30 soldiers to a group, although that can vary.

Mississippi National Guard Director of Public Affairs Lt. Colonel Christian Patterson did not confirm that soldiers were targeted.