West Allis skating rink shooting: woman charged, boy, man wounded
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - A former counselor for those in the criminal justice system is charged with shooting and wounding two people at a roller rink, including a 13-year-old boy, after prosecutors say she got into a fight over a man.
Ashley Jones, 32, made her first court appearance Thursday morning, Feb. 29. Jones is charged with two counts of first-degree reckless injury, one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and two counts of shooting a gun towards a building and people – all felonies. Her bond was set at $50,000 cash. Jones’ family members declined to speak with FOX6 News after the hearing.
Ashley Jones
In court, her attorney said Jones most recently worked as a youth counselor for Wisconsin Community Services (WCS), an organization that helps people with care and behavioral health needs who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
"Ms. Jones has been gainfully employed as a youth counselor working for WCS," said Nathan Opland-Dobs. "She’s been working for WCS for approximately a year now. She had other positions, similar positions, youth counseling positions with youth counseling in the past.
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When reached by phone, WCS President & CEO Clarence Johnson said WCS does not comment about any current or previous employees, and would not say if Jones was employed as a youth counselor.
"Ms. Jones doesn’t have any money," said defense attorney Nathan Opland-Dobs, adding that Jones has since lost her job, and asked for a low bond amount. "Ms. Jones denies the allegations. This is not consistent with her character. Ms. Jones presents at a 32-year-old mother of one who has no criminal history, no juvenile delinquency history."
Incredi-Roll Skate & Family Fun Center
Prosecutors say Jones confronted a woman at the woman’s son’s birthday party at Incredi-Roll, 10928 W. Oklahoma, West Allis, on Saturday evening, Feb. 24.
"Here, Ms. Jones had opportunity after opportunity to leave," said Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Karine O’Byrne. "She’s at a roller skating rink and gets into a fight which – it appears – is over a guy."
Roller rink shooting, West Allis
A woman told police Jones believed the woman was romantically involved with Jones’ significant other in the summer 2023. The woman said she and Jones began to argue and fight, during which a friend of Jones sprayed mace inside the roller rink, which was later broken up by security.
One of the security guards, an off-duty police officer, escorted Jones out of the building, according to court documents. The office said Jones got into a vehicle and pulled through the parking lot, got out and tried to break another vehicle’s windows, and then drove away, only to stop on Oklahoma.
That’s when prosecutors say Jones got out of her car, walked to the rear, pointed a gun and fired, hitting another security guard in his leg, and then drove off. But prosecutors say Jones returned about a minute later, stopping in the middle of Oklahoma Avenue.
"Turns around, comes back, and unloads four or five more shots," O’Byrne said. "When she returned, she shot a 13-year-old child. And then she flees."
Security camera at Incredi-Roll Skate & Family Fun Center
Jones was arrested during a traffic stop later that evening, near her home at 29th at Wright, according to court records.
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Both the security guard and the boy are expected to be ok.
Jones is due back in court on March 8 for a preliminary hearing.