Toddler killed in Ooltewah shooting, man arrested

shooting tile crime gun tile homicide murder weapon police
shooting tile crime gun tile homicide murder weapon police

A man has been arrested in Thursday night's fatal shooting of a three-year-old boy in Ooltewah, according to a news release from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Derrick Lamont Ruffin, Jr., 19, was taken into custody Friday in connection to the death of Jermonie Vinson.

An investigation determined that Ruffin, a family friend, had brought a stolen pistol to a residence in the 8500 block of River Birch Loop and "failed to maintain control" of it. Vinson then managed to pick up and fire the weapon, striking himself in the chest, the release states.

Deputies had arrived on the scene around 10:40 p.m. and Vinson was taken to a local hospital by family members where he was later pronounced dead. The body has since been transferred to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office.

Ruffin has been charged with reckless homicide, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a weapon and theft under $1,000, the release states. He is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail.

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