UPDATE: Teen charged with reckless homicide after 3-year-old's death in Ooltewah Thursday
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (Monday, April 27th):
An affidavit obtained by NewsChannel 9 provided more information about the incident.
First responders were first made aware that the boy's parents were rushing him to the hospital in their own vehicle after he was shot. They located the vehicle on I-75, and an ambulance rushed the child to the hospital from there, where he later died.
Officers interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence at the scene. They found the gun and a spent shell casing, and determined that it had been fired by the child based on ballistics. The bullet went clean through the child's torso.
Witnesses said they saw the child's older brother holding the child in his arms after he had been shot.
Witnesses told officers that Derrick Ruffin, a family friend known as "Boozie," was overheard telling the child's parents that he was sorry and that it was his gun.
That was not quite true, according to the affidavit, which says officers determined that the 9mm pistol had been stolen.
Depend on us to bring you updates on this story as we get them.
UPDATE (Friday afternoon):
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says deputies have made an arrest in the case.
19-year-old Derrick Lamont Ruffin, Jr. is now charged with reckless homicide, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a weapon, and theft under $1,000.
Investigators say Ruffin, who is a friend of the family of 3-year-old Jermonie Vinson, brought a pistol to the residence, and did not keep track of it.
Investigators say "This reckless act resulted in Jermonie Vinson picking up the pistol and firing it striking him in the chest."
Vinson was declared dead at a local hospital.
Deputies say they also determined that the weapon used was stolen.
Ruffin is now at the Hamilton County Jail being booked.
Depend on us to bring you more details as we learn them.
UPDATE (Friday morning):
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says a 3-year-old is dead after a shooting in Ooltewah. Thursday night.
According to a release, relatives took Jermonie Vinson to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators say evidence shows the child was shot at his home on River Birch Loop.
Detectives are still working to learn the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.
Depend on us to bring you more details as we learn more.
PREVIOUSLY:
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says they are investigating a report of a shooting.
The incident happened on the 8500 block of River Birch Loop in Ooltewah.
Detectives were called in, and responded to the scene to investigate.
The sheriff's office says this is an evolving investigation, and no further details are available at this time.
Depend on us to keep you updated
