KPD: Kokomo man arrested in shooting death ‘thought gun was empty’

KOKOMO, Ind. — A Kokomo man has been arrested and charged with two felonies after allegedly shooting and killing another man while examining a handgun he believed was empty.

Perry A. Reyes, 31, was arrested this week on criminal recklessness and manslaughter charges. His arrest stems from the Thursday night shooting that claimed the life of 37-year-old Henry Clayton.

Kokomo police crews were called around 7:35 p.m. Thursday to the 300 block of W. Markland Avenue on the call of a person shot. Upon arrival, they found Clayton suffering from a gunshot wound.

Clayton was taken in serious condition to a local hospital for treatment. He was later flown to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

A preliminary police investigation revealed that Clayton had been showing a handgun to Reyes inside a home on Markland Ave. At some point during the interaction, Reyes reportedly got ahold of the gun.

Believing the gun was not loaded, Reyes reportedly pointed the handgun at Clayton and pulled the trigger. However, there was a bullet in the gun and Clayton was fatally shot.

As a result of the investigation, KPD arrested Reyes on charges of Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon (Level 6 Felony) and Involuntary Manslaughter (Level 5 Felony). He was then booked into the Howard County Jail and is being held on a $15,000 bond.

Online court records have not yet been updated to reflect an initial hearing date in Reyes’ case. Kokomo police said the investigation is still being investigated and is asking anyone with information to call (765) 456-7017.

To make an anonymous tip to Kokomo police, download the Kokomo PD mobile app or text TIPKPD, space and then your tip to 847411. You can also call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS.

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