Shooting in Charleston seriously wounds man

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Two suspects are sought in connection with a shooting which that a Charleston man in serious condition.

About 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Charleston Department of Public Safety received a call reporting a person shot in the 400 block of Walhausen Street. At the scene, officers found Javon Betts, 18, who was shot several times, according to Department of Public Safety director Robert Hearnes.

Betts was airlifted to a hospital for treatment and is in serious condition.

"During the initial stage of the investigation, two suspects were identified," Hearnes stated in a news release. "While searching for the suspects, it was believed the two may be hiding at 501 South Virginia St."

Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence, but the suspects were not there. Hearnes reported officers, however, found about one pound of marijuana at the residence.

Assisting the Charleston officers in the investigation are the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the SEMO Drug Task Force.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Charleston DPS at 573-683-3737.