OCEAN SPRINGS – The Ocean Springs Police Department (OSPD) said three men and one juvenile have been charged with assaulting two teens while they were walking along the beach early Sunday morning. Keith Dubose, 21, David Lee Ware, 19, and Duane O’Field, 19, all of Ocean Springs, were taken into custody on various charges that they accosted the young couple.
Detective Lt. John Flowers said about 2:15 a.m., on July 24, the OSPD received a call advising of an attempted sexual assault in the area of Front Beach and Harbor Drive. The caller also provided police with a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Responding officers located a vehicle matching that description at the intersection of Martin Ave. and Front Breach Drive.
Officers initiated a traffic stop of the white Chevrolet Impala and detained the four occupants. As the investigation progressed, Lt. Flowers said the officers learned that a 15-year old female and a 17-year old male were walking on Front Beach when they were approached by two of the male suspects.
“The suspects displayed a small caliber handgun and proceeded to rob the victims,” Flowers said. “And during the robbery, the female attempted to flee, at which time one of the suspects prevented her from doing so. He also attempted to sexually assault her. A witness nearby intervened and the suspects fled the scene.”
Flowers said emergency medical services were called to the scene to treat the victims and the female was later transported to a local hospital for additional treatment. She was later released, Flowers said.
The suspects were apprehended on various charges. Dubose was charged with one count of sexual battery, one count of aggravated assault and two counts of armed robbery.
Ware was charged with one count of accessory before the fact.
O’Field was charged with one count of armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Flowers said the juvenile, who was not named, was charged with two counts of armed robbery. Additional charges may be filed at a later date.
The three adults are being held at an Ocean Springs jail while they await their preliminary hearing.
Bond has not been set for any of the suspects.
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