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Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Saturday, April 4 at approximately 6:09 p.m., the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual alleging that her daughter’s boyfriend was trying to shoot her son. Deputies immediately responded to 285 Diving Bird Loop in Madison. Deputies obtained statements from witnesses at the scene and disclosed for unknown reasons the perpetrator exited his car and pointed the shotgun at the victim and stated that he was going to shoot him. A witness nearby quickly grabbed the gun and pointed it towards the ground as the perpetrator discharged the gun. The witness successfully took the gun away from the perpetrator and discharged the remaining ammunition from the weapon. Deputies discovered the shotgun used in the shooting resting on a set of steps leading to the entrance of the perpetrators temporary residence. The doorway to the residence was open and the alleged perpetrator was observed standing inside and voluntarily came to the deputies. The perpetrator was identified as Vernnal Anthony Alexander, 61, of Jacksonville and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Alexander was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the county jail. Alexander was charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm within 100 feet of a person, using a firearm under the influence and improper exhibition of a firearm.