Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Arraignment set for Galena man charged in shooting, theft at Duenweg laundromat


An 8:30 a.m. Wednesday arraignment is scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Jerry J. Smith (DOB 1970) who is charged with assault and stealing following a January 31 burglary and shooting at the 66 Coin Laundry in Duenweg.

Smith is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On January 31, 2025, I, Chief Jeff Pearce was dispatched to the 66 Coin Laundry in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, I observed Victim 1 sitting on a chair in the laundry met with Duenweg Fire Department giving aid. I observed what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left hand.







I asked Victim 1 what happened. He stated he had been in back of the landry mat when he heard a noise. He grabbed his firearm and went to the lobby with firearm to his side. Victim 1 stated he observed a locked soap dispenser door open.

Victim 1 stated he moved towards the front door and observed a male subject stand up from behind a washing machine located across from the soap dispenser and pull a mask up. He stated he immediately recognized the subject from a past theft on the property.

Victim 1 stated he pointed the gun towards the suspect and told him to stay there he was going to call the police. He stated the male suspect said, "Don't shoot me," while advancing towards him. Victim 1 stated he fired one round at the floor hoping to make the subject stop approximately eight feet from Victim 1. The subject turned towards him, grabbed his hand and the gun, placed his finger on the trigger and pushed it up toward Victim 1's head.

At this time, Victim 1 stated he pushed the barrel of the firearm down with his hand and the subject pulled the trigger.






Victim 1 stated the suspect then stepped back and pointed the firearm at him then fled the scene east toward Casey's Store. Victim 1 informed me that the suspect had taken his firearm when he fled. METS arrived on  scene and transported Victim 1 to Freeman Hospital in Joplin.

After reviewing video from several businesses, as well as from the previous burglary and with help spreading the word from area news networks, Smith was taken into custody the following day by the Duquesne Police Department.


No comments: