Sheriff denounces trail ride concerts following latest incident

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith is renewing his ongoing battle against trail rides following the latest local incident. “We’re not trying to stop anybody from having fun, but each and every time one of these trail ride combination concert events happen, just almost every time you can set your clock by it, there’s going to be a shooting,” Smith said. Three men were arrested with five guns Saturday night at a trail ride on County Road 46 where two people were shot and sent to two hospitals, according to the Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK.

Tyler residents Sir Ricardel Ortiz, 29; Israel Allen Ortiz, 27; and Jakeithon Marcilous Medlock, 26, were each arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and deadly conduct by discharging a firearm, according to the Sheriff’s Office. All are now free on $20,000 bond. The investigation continues, and Smith says, “Everybody that can be charged will be charged.” Smith added that since the last press conference held about a Smith County trail ride shooting, no trail ride permits have been requested or given.