THOMASVILLE — A Sunday morning shooting resulted from “a simple neighbor dispute,” a Thomasville Police Department officer said.

The 32-year-old victim is in stable condition at Archbold Memorial Hospital, said Maj. Wade Glover, TPD public information officer. The victim suffers from mental illness, according to the officer.

The victim and the shooting suspect, Antavius Markeze Ford, 23, 115 Cherry St., are next door neighbors. Glover said a minimum of 30 minutes elapsed from when the shooting occurred to when it was reported by the victim from the intersection of Crystal and Stevens streets about 11 a.m.

Thomas County Emergency Medical Service responded. En route to the hospital, the injured man said he was shot in the 1400 block of North Dawson Street where he resides.

Glover said the man was shot in the back of the head. The small-caliber projectile penetrated the skin.

Witnesses said the suspect and victim argued.

“The victim turns around and starts walking out of his Dawson Street house toward the street,” Glover said. “He was shot in the back of the head as he walked away.”

Officers have contacted Ford’s family and friends and asked them to encourage the suspect to turn himself in.

Police want Ford to surrender to bring a peaceful end to the incident.

“We want to do it as safely as possible,” Glover said.

Ford, he said, is on probation and been charged with felonies in the past.

Warrants have been issued charging Ford with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and cruelty to an elderly person or disabled adult.

Anyone knowing Ford’s whereabouts is asked to call 226-2101 or 911. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820