On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at approximately 8:33 pm, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting in the Forest Chapel area.
Upon arrival, deputies learned that 40-year-old Mikel Ralson had allegedly shot into a vehicle occupied by three individuals. Ralson was quickly located at the scene and taken into custody. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The victims of the shooting received treatment for minor injuries and have since been released.
Lamar County Sheriff expressed gratitude to his deputies, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Pct. 2 Constable, Chicota VFD, Powderly VFD, Paris EMS, and the Lamar County Emergency Management Coordinator for their swift and coordinated response. He stated that their cooperation led to the rapid securing of a dangerous situation and the removal of a dangerous individual from the community.
Ralson is currently being held in the Lamar County Jail awaiting arraignment. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
