Bay County, FL – Four individuals, including juveniles and adults, have been located and arrested by Bay County law enforcement officials in connection with an attempted murder incident that occurred on August 22nd, 2023. The incident involved a shooting in the area of Old Bicycle Rd and Old Forest Way.
Deputies from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded to the disturbance on the evening of August 22nd after receiving reports of shots fired. The disturbance reportedly escalated to a point where gunshots were discharged, raising concerns among local residents.
Upon investigation, law enforcement officials discovered a vehicle in the parking lot of a Walmart in Callaway that appeared to have sustained damage from gunfire. The vehicle exhibited damage to both the driver’s side and passenger window. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators were subsequently called to the scene to conduct a thorough examination.
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that a series of verbal altercations had taken place involving multiple parties. In one of these confrontations, 18-year-old Anthony Celestine allegedly fired two rounds into the driver’s side window of a vehicle. The bullets exited through the passenger window, fortunately not striking anyone.
The ongoing investigation led to the apprehension and arrest of several individuals involved in the incident. Among those taken into custody are 17-year-old Jayla Grant, 16-year-old Mariah Washington, 20-year-old Jaylin Grant, and 18-year-old Anthony Celestine.
Jayla Grant and Mariah Washington are facing charges of being principals to attempted murder as they allegedly encouraged Jaylin Grant to steal a firearm. Jaylin Grant, in turn, has been charged with theft of a firearm and being a principal to attempted murder. Jaylin Grant reportedly provided the firearm to Anthony Celestine, who now faces a charge of attempted murder.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation into this incident is still ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details about the events leading up to the shooting.
