GIFFORD — Two men, one from Gifford the other from Ft. Pierce, have been arrested, accused of trying to kill another Gifford man earlier this month. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests following the investigation into a shooting that occurred outside the “This and That” business in Gifford on July 7.
The victim, identified as Avery Lee, sustained three gunshot wounds one to each of his arms and one that grazed his ear, according to authorities.
The Sheriff’s Office arrested Robert Smith Jr., of Ft. Pierce, and Dominque Helms, of Gifford, who are now being held at the county jail without bond. They face charges of attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the shooting stemmed from a brawl during which Smith and Helms, along with a third male, jumped Lee, using handguns to hit him. Lee was able to break away from the fight but was pursued.
Outside the This and That, a surveillance video captured Lee and Helms exchanging words – though there was no audio recording – and, as Lee continues to walk away, Helms charges Lee and strikes him in the head with a handgun.
Smith, too, is shown on the video, according to authorities, beating Lee with a handgun. The incident escalates when Smith fires the gun point blank at Lee. Lee then runs and Helms and Smith fire at least five rounds toward him, according to the arrest reports released by the Sheriff’s Office.
Lee was transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center for treatment of his gunshot wounds. Helms and Smith fled the scene, authorities said.
On Thursday, July 26, with help from the U.S. Marshall’s Office, authorities located and arrested Smith at the Howard Johnson Hotel on State Road 60. Helms was arrested at a home located at the 400 block of 7th Road SW.
Both were taken into custody without resistance.