FORT SMITH (KFSM) – The Fort Smith suspect accused of shooting another man in the back last week turned himself in to police Saturday, saying it was an accident, according to the Fort Smith Police Department.
Jesus Martinez-Herrera walked into the police department with his family the day after the shooting and told investigators he was drunk during the time of the shooting. He said the gunshot was an accident, according to police.
A police arrest report states, “He seemed very sincere and remorseful.”
Martinez faces a felony charge of first-degree battery.
Yovani Villa told police he was shot while riding near Midland Avenue in Fort Smith on Friday night.
An officer noticed the black Dodge pickup Villa was riding in was speeding in the center lane on Grand Avenue. When the officer stopped the vehicle, two men emerged, saying a man inside the pickup was shot, according to an incident narrative from the Fort Smith Police Department.
Villa had a small hole in his back and complained of not feeling his legs and needing something to drink, the report states. He was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
A subsequent investigation revealed Martinez-Herrera accidentally fired the shot that struck Villa.
