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Targeted Man Says He Doesn't Know Attempted-Murder Suspect

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 4, 2009

Updated: 03/04/2009 03:06 pm

Charles Vernon Smith Jr.

A man nicknamed "Bear" pulled a semi-automatic handgun from the waistband of his pants Monday afternoon, pointed it at someone's head and fired a shot, barely missing, Hillsborough County deputies say.

The victim, 29-year-old Jason Eitenior, told deputies he was walking near his house when he was shot at by a man he didn't know. Eitenior told deputies he could feel how close the round went to his head.

Deputies arrested Charles Vernon Smith Jr., 30, at 9:44 p.m. Tuesday in a wooded area southwest of McIntosh Road, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office jail Web site. He also was charged with attempted first-degree murder and violating probation.

Investigators used the help of a canine to find Smith. He was tracked 3.5 miles through an orange grove and was located in a tree, Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

The shooting occurred in the front yard of the victim's Thonotosassa home, deputies say.

Smith was identified by his nickname, deputies say and his identity was later confirmed.

In December 2002, deputies arrested him on two counts of attempted murder. By the time the case went to court, the charges were aggravated battery instead, court records show. A jury found him not guilty.

In that incident, deputies said in 2002, Smith shot two of three men who came to his home to fight.

Deputies said Smith chased at the men and fired a .45-caliber handgun, striking one person in the forearm and one on a finger.

Smith, of 5205 Lemon Ave., remained in Orient Road Jail today. His bail has not been set.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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