A Franklin County man has been arrested after authorities said he shot and killed another man during a custody swap.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a call Monday regarding a shooting at a business in the Spruce Pine community.
According to reports at the scene, one of those involved in the incident had been shot in the arm and left the scene in a private vehicle to receive medical treatment. The other man, Jonathan Tyler Garrett, 29, of Spruce Pine, remained at the scene until deputies arrived, where he was arrested. Other deputies were sent to Russellville Hospital to speak with the victim.
Authorities said an altercation began during a child swap that led to a physical altercation over vulgar comments Garrett made towards his ex-wife. At that point, the victim, who is in a relationship with Garrett’s ex-wife, intervened, investigators said.
According to witnesses, Garrett went back to his vehicle and retrieved a firearm. Seeing Garrett retrieving a firearm, the victim went to his vehicle to retrieve his own gun. Witnesses say Garrett shot the victim in the arm, who then returned fire in self-defense. Garrett was unharmed.
Deputies say the victim had his child in his car during the shooting, as well as Garrett’s ex-wife and their child.
Garrett was charged with first-degree assault and three counts of reckless endangerment. He was taken to the Franklin County Detention Center awaiting a bail hearing.
Russellville Police also assisted in the investigation.
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