Published: July 07, 2009 05:25 pm      

POLICE BEAT: Pair charged in accidental shooting

Tampering with evidence alleged

Two men have been arrested in connection with an apparent accidental shooting.

On June 26 emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from Joshua Rashud Smith, stating that Jerrod Jones had just accidentally shot himself and required medical attention, sheriff’s reports show.

According to authorities, Smith reported during the 911 call that he was standing near Jones when the gun went off, but later said he was inside the house at the time of the shooting and had no idea where the gun was. The shooting occurred in the area of 3rd Street in Jasper. The weapon has not been found.

During the recorded 911 call, sheriff’s reports indicate, Smith is heard asking someone at the scene, "Did you get rid of the gun

He later reportedly told deputies he was speaking to the victim and to Jamie Devon Graham.

Graham reportedly admitted to being on the scene just before and after the shooting, but denied being present at the time of the shooting. According to the report filed by investigator David Ehlert, all three -- Jones, Smith and Graham -- are convicted felons and were said to have refused to produce the gun.

Smith and Graham were charged with destroying evidence/tampering/fabrication. Jones received medical attention for his injuries and the case is still under investigation.