Jermaine ThomasChattanooga police have arrested Jermaine Thomas, 37, in connection to a shooting that sent one man to the hospital Sunday afternoon.
The victim, Arthur Smith, 33, was found suffering from a minor gunshot wound to the leg at a home on the 700 block of Davis Avenue, according to court documents.
He told investigators that he and two men were shooting dice in his kitchen when the suspect stood up, pulled out a gun and pointed it at the other two, demanding he give them everything they had. The other man fled the room, but the suspect continued pointing the gun at Smith.
Smith said he handed over two phones and all of the money he had, but then tried to push away the gun. That started a fight over the gun and Smith was shot in the struggle before the suspect fled on foot.
Hours later, Smith’s girlfriend told police the shooter’s name was Jermaine Thomas and Smith hadn’t identified him because he was feeling the effects of medication while being interviewed by investigators at the hospital. He was able to pick Thomas out of a photo lineup prepared by police.
Thomas has been charged with especially aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and for being a felon in possession of a weapon. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 24 before General Sessions Judge Christine Sell.