![Tony Jerome Byrd may be armed and he is considered to be dangerous. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-8ee752c8-e965-2f56-e053-0100007f1c08-fab076e3.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — While there are two murder suspects on the loose in Crestview, authorities say the city remains safe.
“These were two isolated incidents,” said Crestview Police Department Public Information Officer Andrew Schneider. “These weren’t random people or victims. These were people that were involved in altercations.”
The identity of a shooter in the April 6 shooting at Cash’s Lounge on South Ferdon Boulevard is still being determined by law enforcement. The shooting occurred around 2:30 that morning. Pernell Thomas was shot and killed prior to the suspect fleeing on foot.
“We’ve been getting conflicting information, but we still haven’t talked to many of the people that were there that night,” Schneider said. “We want to get a clear representation of what happened. Someone knows who he is; he didn’t just show up randomly.”
Authorities have had several leads in the case and are continuing to follow-up on some. Schneider said because the suspect’s identity has yet to be determined, it is unsure if he is still in the area.
As law enforcement continues to investigate what happened that night at Cash’s, they are also actively seeking Tony Jerome Byrd Jr.
Byrd is wanted on a felony warrant for homicide. He is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old Tywon C. Tatum on the evening of July 8.
The warrant for Byrd’s arrest was issued on July 16. On the same day, authorities received information that he was at a trailer on C B Drive off Old Bethel Road. The OCSO Special Response Team and other law enforcement personnel responded to the location. The SRT Team repeatedly attempted to make contact before entering the home. Byrd was not located.
“We are actively seeking him,” Schneider said. “We’re following several leads that we hope will lead to his apprehension soon.”
Byrd is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is asked to avoid contact and immediately call law enforcement.
Schneider said it is probable for Byrd to still be in the area, but he cannot say for sure.
“We have an active warrant out for his arrest, so if he is located he can be arrested anywhere,” Schneider said.
According to Schneider, there is no relation between the two shootings and citizens should not be alarmed.
“Every community has these types of incidents and unfortunately we aren’t isolated from that,” Schneider said. “Generally, we have a safe community and the citizens are safe.”
Schneider said there is no way to predict when either suspect will be apprehended, but it is only a matter of time until they are located.
“It is our responsibility to bring them to justice,” Schneider said. “The cases will be resolved. It is just going to take a little bit of time.”
Anyone with any information on the location of Byrd or the identity of the Cash’s Lounge shooter is asked to call the Crestview Police Department at 850-682-2055. Any sightings of Byrd can also be reported to 911 or Crime Stoppers.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Authorities say city remains safe