Sunday, July 27, 2025–2:30 p.m.
-Rome Police Department News Release-
The Rome Police Department is actively investigating two separate overnight shootings that occurred at large gatherings on Saturday, July 26, and into the early hours of Sunday, July 27. Both incidents resulted in multiple individuals being injured and have prompted increased investigative efforts by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
Incident 1 – E 11th Street Shooting:
On Saturday evening, July 26, officers in the area of E 2nd Avenue and E 9th Street heard what sounded like rifle-caliber gunfire. Moments later, 911 dispatchers began receiving multiple calls reporting a shooting near 106 E 11th Street. Officers responded quickly and arrived to find the scene consistent with reports of gunfire. Personal effects, including a speaker, table, backpack, and a cell phone, were located in the area, along with at least one shell casing.
Witnesses at the scene stated the shooting occurred during a “back-to-school” party attended by numerous individuals. Although the crowd had largely dispersed by the time officers arrived, several witnesses were identified and interviewed. No injuries were reported in this incident; the investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the RPD Criminal Investigation Division.
Incident 2 – Hardy Avenue Shooting:
At approximately 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, officers conducting foot patrol on Hardy Avenue responded to gunfire coming from a large party at 516 Hardy Avenue. The residence, already known to law enforcement for frequent disturbances, was hosting a gathering of over 100 individuals.
Upon hearing shots, officers ran to the scene and located three gunshot victims—two women with leg injuries and one additional victim found closer to Grover Street. Officers rendered aid, applied tourniquets, and directed EMS personnel to the victims based on the severity of injury. All three were transported for medical treatment.
During the investigation, the host of the party, Marvin Blackburn, became combative and uncooperative. After repeated commands to vacate the property, Mr. Blackburn threatened officers and physically resisted arrest. He was eventually subdued with the use of a Taser and arrested. A second individual, later identified as Sammya Sewell, was also arrested for obstructing officers and failing to comply with commands while officers attempted to secure the scene.
Mr. Blackburn was charged with:
- Three counts of Felony Obstruction
- Two counts of Misdemeanor Obstruction
- Three counts of Simple Battery on a Police Officer
- Maintaining a Disorderly House
Ms. Sewell was charged with Misdemeanor Obstruction.
“These types of incidents not only put lives at risk but also place an incredible burden on emergency resources,” said Kelly Madden, Public Information Officer for the Rome Police Department. “We are committed to maintaining public safety, and we encourage our residents to report suspicious activity and to avoid hosting or attending gatherings that pose a risk to the community.”
Anyone with information related to either incident is urged to contact the Rome Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 706-238-5121.
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