Man Accused Of Bringing Gun To Fistfight Facing Felony Charge

NEW BOSTON, Texas–A New Boston man who allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot a man two times while the pair were engaged in a fistfight has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Deputies with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a shooting shortly after 10:30 p.m. Jan. 25 on FM 2149 in New Boston, according to a probable cause affidavit. The victim suffered a wound to his right arm and shoulder and a “through-and-through” gunshot wound that had entered his lower abdomen and exited his back.

Witnesses reported that alcohol and drugs may have fueled tempers at a gathering at a residence on FM 2149 East. Otis Lekey Richard, 42, allegedly became belligerent and offended a man by talking about his home and family, the affidavit said.

Richard allegedly challenged the man he had angered to a fistfight and the two agreed to take the conflict outside.

“(The alleged victim) said during the fight, Otis Richard produced a handgun that was concealed on his person and discharged it, striking (the victim) two times,” the affidavit said.

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Richards allegedly fled the scene following the gunplay. He was arrested Feb. 21 and released the following day on a $30,000 bond.

If convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Richard faces two to 20 years in prison.