Laurel County, Kentucky – Laurel County Sheriff John Root said in a statement that Detective Tommy Houston is investigating a shooting off Wren Road approximately four miles south of London around 1:08 p.m. on January 5, 2025.

Investigators responded to a complaint that a male subject had been shot at the scene. Responding units found a man who had been shot by a shotgun that pelleted his chest and face.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a serious, non-life-threatening injury. It is alleged that two men were involved in an argument.

One man left, retrieved a weapon, and returned to shoot the 34-year-old victim. 56-year-old James Smith was arrested.

Authorities have charged Smith with Assault 1st Degree. He is currently being held in the Laurel County Detention Center.