Man on probation accused of using assault rifle to open fire on crowd at Thanksgiving gathering

A convicted felon faces several charges after using an assault rifle to open fire on a crowd during Thanksgiving, police said.

On Nov. 25, members of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida responded to School Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Brooksville for a reported shooting.

Deputies were told a man in a silver Chrysler 200 opened fire, with an assault rifle, on a group of people socializing outdoors, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Other deputies spotted the vehicle and gave chase.

Police found the Chrysler 200 abandoned in the parking lot of an apartment complex, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators determined Jamerson Badger was the one driving who opened fire on the group. Police did not reveal a possible motive for the shooting. Badger was arrested last week.

He was charged with eight counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Officials charged Badger with violation of probation as he was on probation in another Florida county. He is being held without bond. Police say Badger has five previous arrests.