Hagerstown Teenager Charged As Adult in October 23rd Shooting that Killed One, Wounded Another

HAGERSTOWN, MD — A teenager is being charged as an adult in shooting last week in Hagerstown that killed one man and seriously injured another.

The Hagerstown Police Department said Gage John Coles, age 17 of Hagerstown was tracked down in Florida October 26th.

He has been charged with 1st & 2nd Degree Murder, Attempted 1st & 2nd Degree Murder and other charges stemming from a shooting incident October 23rd in the area of North Mulberry Street in Hagerstown.

Two men suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to Meritus Medical Center. One, 27-year-old John Anthony Leonard IV of Hagerstown, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second victim, identified as 22-year-old Jaseye Stephens of Hagerstown was flown to R. Adam Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore for treatment.

HPD announced law enforcement tracked down Coles and arrested him in Manatee County, Florida on Tuesday (10/26/21). Evidence has also been collected at two Hagerstown homes.

Coles is considered to be the lone shooter. Police say he shot both men twice and is being charged as an adult.

He is currently being detained in Florida and will await an extradition hearing.

He is charged with the following:
1st & 2nd Degree Murder
Attempt 1st & 2nd Degree Murder
1st & 2nd Degree Assault (2 counts each)
Reckless Endangerment
Numerous Handgun related charges