West Plains, MO. – A Pottersville man was arrested last week after allegedly shooting at a neighbor.
Brian R. Smith, age 42, was arrested on July 27, 2023, for 2nd-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon – exhibiting, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the probable cause statement, deputies with the Howell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a residence on State Route K for a woman reporting she had been shot by a neighbor. The woman told authorities that Smith had walked to her, standing in her driveway, and pointed a .22 caliber revolver at her, stating he would shoot her. She said Smith then fired one round at the ground in front of her before pointing the gun at her and a second individual. The woman had blood running down both legs and injuries on the front of her shins.
The second individual told authorities he had went to speak with Smith about a dog that was running loose. He spoke with Smith near Smith’s truck. Smith became confrontational, exiting his vehicle, and accusing the man of stealing. The man told law enforcement that Smith pointed the revolver at him and threatened to shoot him.
The suspect is registered as a Caution 1 Felon and it is illegal for him to own or possess a firearm.
Brian R. Smith is being held in the Howell County Adult Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond. He has pled not guilty to the charges and will return to court on September 18, 2023.
