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The investigation continues and no arrests have been made as of Monday in regard to a shooting that an Atmore man dead and eight injured in the early morning hours of May 18 at the former Atmore Family Life Center, according to officials.

Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Monday that the investigation is continuing, and investigators are working diligently.

“It’s just a large-scale investigation with a lot of people to interview and talk to,” Brooks said. “We’re waiting on results of the evidence from it.

“From day one, I wanted a methodical approach and to take our time, and make sure we get what we need when we do make an arrest,” he said.

Brooks said in a May 18 release the APD received a 911 call at approximately 2 a.m. in response to shots being fired at the center, which was the former Escambia County Middle School.

“Atmore police arrived on scene and immediately heard gun shots going off around the property,” Brooks said in the release. “Officers then began assisting the gunshot victims as well as restoring order.  After accessing the scene, officers found a male gunshot victim (later identified as Chirshanwn Jermaine Westry) deceased in the cafeteria of the building.”

Brooks said then that witnesses stated a fight broke out between two females.

“While trying to separate the females, numerous gunshots were fired inside the building hitting several individuals,” he said. “The unknown suspects fled to the parking lot where several more gunshots were fired striking more victims. A total of eight people were injured due to the gunfire and transported to Atmore Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries.”

As a result of the shooting, the relationship between the Atmore Family Life Center and the Escambia County Schools System was ended a short time afterward. The board is the owner of the property.