Shooting results in attempted-murder charge

Brandon McArthur Varnell
Brandon McArthur Varnell

The 25-year-old man accused of shooting another man Wednesday afternoon allegedly followed his victim throughout the day before firing and hitting him in the leg.

Brandon Varnell is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and unlawful possession.

The victim, 36-year-old Shermain Menifee, arrived at a local hospital around 3:16 p.m. Wednesday with a gunshot wound to the leg. He told police he was sitting in his car when Varnell drove toward him on East 14th Street in a gray Volvo.

When the Volvo reached Menifee's car, Menifee said Varnell stopped, rolled down the window, pulled out a handgun and fired through Menifee's car door, striking him once.

Menifee said he has known Varnell for some time and had an "ongoing problem" with the man. Menifee also told police that he had noticed the gray Volvo following him earlier in the day.

Varnell is being held in the Hamilton County Jail.

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