An 18-year-old from Georgia was sunning herself in Panama City Beach, Fla., over the weekend when a bullet tore into her leg. Now, the man accused of shooting her and two others have been arrested.
According to a press release from the Panama City Beach Police Department, witnesses saw Damien Marrell Chhoeung, 20, of Fayetteville, Ga., “recklessly handling and displaying a firearm on the balcony of a condo on the 16th floor” of a condo building Saturday. Authorities said the incident occurred at the Majestic Towers Resort on Front Road Beach.
Previously, The Miami Herald reported that “Chhoeung told police he had been drinking Crown Royal when he pulled his gun out of his backpack and saw sand in it,” and then decided to clean the gun, citing police. However, municipal representatives told Audacy Wednesday that he was not cleaning the gun.
Police did say that the gun accidentally discharged. After the incident, Chhoeung allegedly left the scene with Hunter Hatfield, 21, of Bruce, Miss. He then allegedly gave the gun to his 19-year-old brother, Elijah Chhoeung, who police said “discarded it in the woods off Richard Jackson Boulevard,” before it was recovered.
Damien Marrell Chhoeung has been charged with improper exhibition of a firearm, discharging a firearm in public, possession of cannabis, tampering with evidence, firing a deadly missile and attempted manslaughter, according to Panama City Beach Officials. Elijah Chhoeung and Hunter Hatfield have been charged with evidence tampering.
After the shooting, the victim was transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery. She was in stable condition after the operation.
“The victim and the suspect had no prior acquaintance,” said authorities. “The investigation remains active and ongoing, and more arrests could be forthcoming. Police urge anyone with additional information to contact the Police Department at (850) 233-5000.”
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