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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend May 28, 2006 'Misunderstanding ends with shooting By chris conrad Mail Tribune WHITE CITY — An Eagle Point man was shot Friday afternoon in what police are describing as an unfortunate misunderstanding. Jerry J. Bassett, 34, of the 500 block of Sherman Way, told police he had been fishing near the Hoover Ponds just south of White City when he saw some scrap metal lying around a nearby lot. Knowing the value of scrap metal, he walked over to take some, when Gary Leland Ray, 58, of the 3900 block of Corey Road, fired a warning shot from his 9 mm handgun into the ground in an attempt to scare Bassett away. The scrap metal belonged to Ray and was on his property, though no signs were posted. According to Jackson County sheriff's Detective Sgt. Colin Fagan, Ray has had problems with theft before and assumed Bassett was trying to steal from him. Hoping to escape the scene, Bassett fled to his Toyota Tercel, while Ray chased him with the gun. Ray was standing in front of Bassett's car when it came speeding toward him. Ray, thinking Bassett was trying to run over him, fired a shot into the car's passenger side window before the car sped down the road. "Ray said he shot at him because he feared for his life," Fagan said. "He didn't know he had shot the guy, he was just glad he was gone." The bullet struck Bassett near his belly button and exited out his left buttock. He was taken to Providence Medical Center in Medford where he was treated for the wound, which wasn't life-threatening, Fagan said. Both men are cooperating with police. Neither wants to press charges against the other, but Fagan said the case will be turned over to the district attorney for review. "A person has every right to protect his or her property, but it's never a good idea to fire a warning shot to scare someone away — you never know if the other person's armed and will fire back," Fagan said. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Fagan at 774-6815. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help