Browne’s Addition shooting reportedly over drug debt

A shooting in Browne’s Addition shortly after midnight Tuesday reportedly took place after the victim and the suspected gunman, James A. Tibbets, argued over a drug debt, court documents state.

The victim and several other people went to Tibbets’ residence in the 1700 block of West Second Avenue because Tibbets owed the victim money, witnesses told police. The two argued and witnesses said the victim punched Tibbets several times, prompting Tibbets to pull out a gun and shoot the victim, according to court documents. The two then physically fought for control of the gun and the gun went off again, witnesses said.

The victim is being treated at a local hospital.

Tibbets told police that the victim was the one who brought a gun to the confrontation and that he was trying to get away before they struggled for the gun, court documents state.

Police found two .40 caliber cartridge casings at the scene of the shooting. The same type of ammunition was found in Tibbets’ apartment, court documents say. A witness told police that Tibbets owned a .40 caliber gun, but the gun has not been located, according to court documents.

Tibbets is facing a charge of first-degree assault. He is being held in the Spokane County Jail on $150,000 bond.