Jasper, Tenn., woman shot in face; husband charged

photo Allen Poole

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photo Site of Jasper, Tenn., shooting

A Jasper, Tenn., man is behind bars charged with attempted first-degree murder after police said he shot his wife in the face with a .22-caliber rifle Monday night.

Allen Poole, 43, of Jasper, was arrested after police were called to a domestic incident at the family home on Hickory Street, Jasper Police Chief Tim Graham said Tuesday.

"It was a domestic violence situation that occurred and it escalated on to a shooting," Graham said. The call came out about 9:50 p.m. CDT.

Graham said he couldn't go into further detail this early in the investigation.

Poole's wife was flown to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga for treatment and is improving, the chief said. The bullet struck her near the chin.

"I heard she was responsive and that's always a good sign," he said.

The woman's name and age could not be confirmed by press time.

Graham said Poole is charged with attempted first-degree murder and resisting arrest. No bond has been set, although a bond hearing could be held as early as today, according to officials.

12th Judicial District Attorney General Mike Taylor said Poole could face 15 to 25 years in prison if convicted as charged.

Taylor didn't expect the victim's condition to worsen.

"When I talked to the officer at hospital last night [Monday], he said she was conscious when he was there and she could talk to a certain extent while they were treating her," Taylor said. "At least from what the officer I talked to last night said, he seemed to think she was going to make it."

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.

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