JCPD: 3 arrested in connection to fatal downtown shooting

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Three suspects have been arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a Greeneville teenager in downtown Johnson City over the weekend, and an arrest affidavit indicates the victim may have been caught in a crossfire described as a “volley of bullets.”

A Wednesday afternoon Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) release says Charles Dabney, 18, of Greeneville died as a result of his injuries following the shooting Sunday at around 2 a.m. at Majestic Commons downtown. Another victim was treated at a hospital and released.

The JCPD said Tyron Bland, 34, of Greene County, was arrested Tuesday evening in connection to the fatal shooting and that Jayden Smith, 19, of Asheville, N.C. was arrested Wednesday afternoon.

An affidavit for Bland’s arrest says he and Smith were in “a physical altercation” along with Dabney and the other victim, and that when Bland and Smith “exchanged several shots at one another…” the two victims were struck.

Bland was charged with aggravated assault, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. Police said he was taken into custody at a home on Blue Springs Road in Greene County and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.

Then on Wednesday afternoon, Smith was arrested in Asheville. Smith is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment and is awaiting extradition. A woman who was reportedly accompanying Smith, Katy Scruggs, 22, of Asheville, was charged with accessory after the fact and will also be extradited.

The affidavit, filed by JCPD investigator Timothy Hensley the very day of the shooting (Sept. 8), says police were called at 2:04 a.m. They reportedly found Dabney prone on the sidewalk, then “made contact with” the other victim, who was shot in the left leg. Both victims were taken to Johnson City Medical Center, where Dabney died.

The document says investigators reviewed camera footage from adjacent buildings that surround the park, which connects Main and Market streets. The footage, along with witness interviews, allowed police to identify Bland and Smith, both of whom had fled the scene.

According to the affidavit, during the “physical altercation” involving Bland, Smith and the two victims, “(t)he volley of bullets ultimately struck both victims resulting in serious injury and death respectively.”

In answer to questions from News Channel 11, a JCPD spokesperson said police believe no one else that was visible in camera footage, including Dabney and the other victim, was armed based on that footage and witness statements. They said no other suspects are being sought.

Investigators learned that Bland has a prior violent felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. According to the JCPD, the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

“JCPD will be discussing all possible charges with District Attorney (Steve) Finney,” JCPD’s spokesperson said, adding that evidence is still being processed that might help determine which armed person’s ammunition struck either victim.

The JCPD reports the arrests took place with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Greene County Sheriff’s Office and Asheville Police Department.

Those with information about the shooting or anyone involved are asked to contact the JCPD’s Criminal Investigations Division at 423-434-6107, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 423-930-6535. To send a confidential tip by text, text 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411).

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