A shooting early Saturday morning (4/11/2026) in Sparta has resulted in an Attempted First Degree Murder charge against the suspect.
According to a press release from the Sparta Police Department, at approximately 3:28 a.m., officers responded to shots fired at 203 South Young Street where the victim said he was inside the cab of his semi-truck when he heard what appeared to be someone striking the driver’s side door from outside. Upon looking, he observed a family member standing nearby and pointing a handgun in his direction. Moments later, multiple gunshots were fired, striking his semi. Two rounds penetrated the windshield. The victim remained inside the truck during the incident and was not struck or injured. The suspect was later located at a hotel in Sparta and taken into custody without incident.
District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway reports that 37-year-old Gilberto Tejero-Gonzales has been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (by a felon), and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. The suspect was booked into the White County Jail on a $1,077,000 bond. He will be brought before the General Sessions Court on April 14, 2026.
The investigation is on-going. (Photo courtesy DAG Dunaway)
