Lenox man arrested in Creston drive-by shooting

A press release issued Friday, Sept. 8 by the Creston Police Department announces the arrest of Jaden Justus Loe, 22, of Lenox, at approximately 2 p.m. Sept. 7 on a Union County warrant for the charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon - injure or provoke fear; criminal mischief, second degree; going armed with intent; reckless use of a firearm - property damage and use of a dangerous weapon in commission of a crime.

The charges stem from a June 11 drive-by shooting in the 300 block of North Cedar Street.

According to Creston Police reports, on June 14 a resident in the 300 block of North Cedar Street reported finding bullet holes in his home. The victim said he first noticed a bullet hole in the front door of his residence, then examined the rest of the property and found multiple others. The victim recovered two bullets lodged in his wall. Officers who responded located casings from .45 and .9 mm caliber weapons. The casings were found scattered on the front yard of the property, both sides of the road and on properties to the north and south of the victim.

During an interview with the victim later in the day, he told officers of a heated conversation he had with Loe, who was a former friend, in February over narcotics Loe wanted the victim to obtain for him. In a separate incident occurring within two weeks before the shooting, Loe had stated he “had a bullet” for the victim, if he ever spoke to someone Loe had previously dated.

An investigation indicated shortly after midnight June 11, Loe and another individual fired shots at and into the residence, occupied by another person, placing the occupant at risk of serious injury, from a moving vehicle. Loe, the driver of the vehicle, reportedly fired a .45 handgun. Casings located at the scene were sent to the state laboratory and results received Aug. 29, confirmed the casings were fired from a Tisa-Turkiya .45 caliber handgun belonging to Loe.

Loe was transported to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $24,000 cash or surety bond.

Creston Police say additional arrest(s) are pending in the incident.