James Watkins
A man who shot at his son to “teach him a lesson,” has been arrested for aggravated assault.
James Watkins, 53, told officers that his 31-year-old son, Michael Watkins, was at his home on the 7400 block of Pamala Drive when the incident occurred. He said that he had gotten into an argument with his son who he said was on drugs and was unwelcome on his property.
After arguing, he said that he got the gun from the home and fired the shot to teach a lesson, but had not intended to hit him with the round.
The victim stated that he was at his father’s house doing laundry when his father came in to speak with him about him and how he was living. He stated that the two had gotten into an argument and that he had finally refused to continue because his father was drunk.
He said he then took his laundry outside to finish packing his clothing in the front yard.
The victim said that he eventually turned to see his father standing in the front door of the house, but looked back down to continue his work, which is when his father shot the gun and started yelling at him.
He said that he then charged his father to try and get the gun away, but eventually backed away and called his wife for a ride.
The victim also said that he did not believe his father had attempted to actually hit him, but had done it to prove a point.
The defendant complied with the officers’ investigation and informed them where the gun was in the house, telling them that it was unloaded. The gun was retrieved, unloaded without incident, and a shell casing was found on the front porch, consistent with the testimonies of both men.
According to the arrest report, it was clear to officers that the defendant had been drinking, so he was taken into custody and transported to the county jail without incident.