The local man accused of shooting his nephew is now facing attempted murder charges.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Richard A. Smith Jr., 52, of 13163 Route 347, Marysville, charging him with one count each of attempted murder, domestic violence, aggravated assault, having weapons under disability, using weapons while intoxicated and two counts of felonious assault.
Smith was arraigned Tuesday in Union County Common Pleas Court. At the arraignment, his bond was increased from $100,000 to $500,000.
According to court documents, on the afternoon of July 11, Smith and a nephew were involved in a traffic crash in Delaware County. Smith was cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, driving under suspension and failure to control.
Smith called his daughter and another nephew, Timothy D. Smith, to get him from the police station and have the car towed.
When they got home, Richard Smith and Timothy Smith began to argue.
“The victim (Timothy Smith) was accusing the defendant (Richard Smith) of driving impaired and injuring his cousin,” said Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips.
The prosecutor said Richard Smith became frustrated and left. While Timothy Smith was still at the home tending to injuries the cousin received in the crash, Richard Smith returned with a rifle and a handgun.
The pair continued to argue and eventually Timothy Smith left the home. Richard Smith allegedly followed Timothy Smith out the door. Timothy Smith pushed his uncle to the ground.
Richard Smith then pulled the pistol, a 9 mm, and allegedly shot Timothy Smith in the abdomen.
A witness at the scene called 911. Timothy Smith was taken to the Leesburg Township Fire Station then taken by MedFlight to the Ohio State University Medical Center.
When law enforcement officials arrived, they interviewed the witnesses and arrested Richard Smith at the scene. The gun was also recovered at the scene.
Phillips said doctors operated on Timothy Smith, who at last report was listed in “critical but stable condition,” Phillips said.
Richard Smith remains in Tri-County Regional Jail.
If convicted on all counts, Richard Smith could face more than 29 years in prison. Additionally, prosecutors are asking to take his gun.
Richard Smith has a prior domestic violence conviction stemming from a 2006 incident as well as a variety of drug and alcohol convictions and multiple drunk driving convictions.
Also indicted was:
– Chad A. Fitch, 44, of 10646 Fulton Creek Road, Richwood. Fitch is charged with one count each of carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
According to court documents, on July 4, Fitch was in Richwood allegedly driving a vehicle with a broken headlight and expired tags.
Fitch’s vehicle was stopped. He gave police his driver’s license as well as a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
“When asked, Chad advised that he had a weapon on his right hip,” according to court documents.
While checking Fitch’s driver’s license, investigators learned that his concealed carry license was suspended because of a 2020 domestic violence conviction that prohibits him from having a concealed weapon.
If convicted, Fitch could face as many as 36 months in prison. Additionally, prosecutors are asking the courts to make Fitch forfeit his gun, a Smith and Wesson .380.
– Stori Shae McGowan, 20, of Marion. McGowan is charged with one count each of receiving stolen property and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
According to court documents, on May 7, McGowan was driving on U.S. 33 and was cited for going 71 in a 55 miles per hour zone. She was also cited for failure to wear a seatbelt.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that McGowan had a loaded gun in the Jeep, which they also learned had been allegedly taken from a local Honda dealership.
If convicted, McGowan could face as many as 36 months in prison.