FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. — A 22-year-old man faces charges after allegedly getting drunk and shooting a guest at a wedding reception in Frederick County on Saturday. Investigators say John Morningstar was a groomsman in the wedding and he was initially asked to leave the event after becoming overly intoxicated.
At 7:08 p.m., a 911 call came into the Frederick County Sheriff's Office regarding a man threatening to shoot guests at a wedding reception after being asked to leave the event. While responding to the Historic Jordan Springs venue, off Jordan Springs Road in eastern Frederick County, the call to police was updated to possible shots fired. Little information was initially available other than a description of the suspect vehicle.
The first deputy on scene noticed a car leaving the scene and radioed that information to other units.
At the venue, police located a man who had been shot in the leg and began administering first-aid until EMS units could arrive.
A little while later, police located the suspect vehicle driving erratically on Jordan Springs Road and made a traffic stop at Jordan Springs Market where the driver was detained without further incident.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old John Morningstar, was a groomsman in the wedding who had been asked to leave after becoming overly intoxicated. Morningstar left the wedding and reportedly made threats to come back and shoot everyone there.
Police say Morningstar was then seen in the parking lot driving recklessly and doing donuts. Another attendee, 34-year-old Kevin Huff ended up in a fight with Morningstar that resulted in Huff being shot in the leg before Morningstar fled the scene.
While on the traffic stop, investigators say Morningstar was found to be shot in the foot. His wound is believed to be self-inflicted. EMS units responded for assessment and treatment to the wound.
Police say multiple firearms were located inside Morningstar's car, along with various ammunition, including the suspected weapon used against the victim.
Detectives say Morningstar will initially be charged with DUI, Malicious Wounding and two counts of Reckless Handling of a Firearm.
Police say both men were taken to Winchester Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Currently, both men are in stable condition.
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