Evansville Police have arrested JILES THOMAS on obstruction of justice and dealing marijuana charges following a shooting investigation on Friday night.
Police were called to the area of Riverside and Boeke around 8:30pm for a reported shooting. Officers arrived and found a 14 year old male with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.
Thomas left the area, but was located near Vann and Pollack a short time later.
According to Thomas, the 14 year of contacted him about purchasing marijuana. A time and place was agree upon and the two met to conduct a drug deal. Thomas said another male was with the 14 year old when he arrived. Thomas told investigators that during the deal, the juvenile pointed a gun at him and tried to rob him. Thomas told police he was armed with a handgun and fired one time at the juvenile. Thomas then left the scene.
Police were able to view the communications between the juvenile and Thomas that corroborated his account. Police also recovered a replica firearm near the scene of the shooting that was possibly used by the juvenile during the incident.
Thomas has not told investigators where he disposed of the gun he used in the shooting. Police recovered marijuana during their investigation.
The juvenile refused to cooperate with investigators.
Although the shooting happened during the commission of a separate crime, police believe the shooting was in self defense.
Thomas in in the Vanderburgh County Jail on Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony) and Dealing Marijuana ( Class A Misdemeanor).
The juvenile has not been charged with a crime at this time. The investigation into his actions is on-going.
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