VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A man was arrested Wednesday after shooting his friend with a BB gun and then lying to officials about it, deputies said.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said the victim, Dustin Neal, 17, was initially thought to have been shot near Calle Grande Street just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
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During deputies' initial investigation into the shooting, Jonathan Rose, 22, and Jackie Jarvis, 20, reported that they were walking on a dirt path with Neal when they heard a "pffft pffft," and Neal fell to the ground. Rose told deputies the possible shooter could have been from a passing car.
A short time later, Jackie Jarvis' father, Jack Jarvis, contacted Holly Hill police and notified them that Jackie admitted she lied to deputies.
Deputies said Jackie told them she was inside a residence at 1812 Ridgewood when a BB gun that Rose had in his possession went off and Neal fell to his knees.
Jackie said Rose yelled, "I'm sorry, bro," and kept asking if he was OK.
Deputies said Jackie contacted a neighbor, who got the BB gun from the residence so that Rose would not get into trouble.
The VCSO said Rose admitted to lying during the initial investigation. He was then arrested.
Deputies said Neal was taken to Halifax Medical Center, where he underwent exploratory laparotomy surgery. His gallbladder, which was ruptured by the BB, was removed, his liver was lacerated, gastric tubing was placed in his bowels with potential for permanent bowel complications and the BB was removed, deputies said.
Neal remains in the hospital as he heals from his surgery.
Rose is charged with culpable negligence, false report of a crime and burglary of an unoccupied structure. He was being held on $10,000 bail.