The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning at a residence in southeastern Vanderburgh County.
At approximately 4:37 a.m. Tuesday, a local hospital notified Central Dispatch that a juvenile gunshot victim had been dropped off at the Emergency Room. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, according to a news release.
Deputies learned that the shooting occurred inside a residence on Earl Avenue. Sheriff’s deputies, Evansville Police Department officers, and detectives responded to both the hospital and the residence. A resident and several young children were found inside the home, which was secured while detectives applied for a search warrant.
Detectives interviewed the victim, who identified the suspected shooter as Jayson Baker. Baker and a potential witness were located and brought to the Vanderburgh County Operations Center.
During an interview, Baker admitted to accidentally shooting the victim and acknowledged ownership of the handgun involved. Baker stated that the victim had handled the gun moments before the shooting and that, after taking it back, he was unaware a round remained in the chamber.
Baker said the firearm discharged as he handled it, striking the victim. He then transported the victim to the hospital and left.
A search warrant was executed at the Earl Avenue residence. Detectives recovered three handguns and a spent shell casing. Efforts are ongoing to identify and interview additional witnesses who were reportedly present at the time of the incident.
The Department of Child Services was notified due to the victim’s age and the presence of several children inside the residence during the shooting.
Jayson Baker was arrested and charged with Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 felony. He was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he will be held without bond pending his initial court appearance.