CLARKSTON, WA – A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of assault in the second degree after allegedly shooting another individual in the face with a pellet gun during an early morning incident on June 1.

Deputies with the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Maple Street around 12:22 a.m. after receiving reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a man bleeding from the mouth with significant swelling and injury to the right side of his face. The victim was conscious but unable to speak.

A witness at the scene identified the suspect as Jayden R. Musgrove and reported that he had allegedly fled on foot through a nearby field. According to the witness, Musgrove had stopped near a mailbox and allegedly pointed the weapon at the victim and fired at close range.

Deputies searched multiple locations, including a residence on Elm Street connected to the suspect. During a search of the home, law enforcement recovered a Crosman Model 1322 pellet gun from a bedroom.

Medical staff at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center later confirmed that a projectile remained lodged in the victim’s face. Although no fractures were found, staff advised the injury could have been fatal if it had struck slightly lower.

Witnesses later confirmed that the recovered pellet gun resembled the weapon used in the incident.

In addition to the shooting, the suspect is also accused of pointing the weapon at another individual during the incident. The pellet gun bore a warning label indicating it was not a toy and could cause fatal injury.

Musgrove was arrested early Tuesday morning and booked into the Asotin County Jail.  He appeared in court on Tuesday and bond was set at $50,000.  Musgrove’s arraignment has been set for June 16.