Lamont Patterson
A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after he rushed into the home of his children’s mother on Friday and shot a man who was in a bedroom.
The woman, Tequla Watkins, told police that Lamont Patterson came to her home on North Chamberlain Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Friday, as she was getting ready for work. He sent her two children — ages 3 and 6 — out of the house before he grabbed her by the hair and started searching the home.
When Patterson found another man, Henry Bennett, in a bedroom, he became convinced the woman and Bennett were sleeping together.
Watkins told police that Patterson then hit her in the head and face with a pistol and asked if the pair were having an affair. Every time she denied it, he hit her again, according to the affidavit of complaint, and he also pointed the gun at Bennett.
Watkins said she started to black out and that’s when she heard the gunshots. Patterson is accused of firing at least three times at Bennett, who was struck at least four times in the legs and groin.
Bennett’s injuries were serious and required multiple surgeries to repair, but not life-threatening, according to the affidavit. Watkins was also taken to a local hospital and treated for blunt force trauma to her left hand and the left side of her head.
A third witness, a juvenile, was inside the home during the altercation and confirmed to police that Patterson hit the woman with a handgun. Patterson is also accused of demanding that Bennett and Watkins strip in order to “prove there had been no sexual relations,” according to the affidavit.
Patterson was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on Tuesday on charges of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during commission of a crime, especially aggravated burglary, possession of crack cocaine for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Patterson’s criminal history in Hamilton County dates back to 2007 and includes 45 charges ranging from possession of marijuana to aggravated robbery.
He remained in custody on Wednesday.
Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at 423-757-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com with tips or story ideas.