Man shot in leg after fistfight

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

McMinnville Police Lt. Investigator Derwin Adcock searches a vehicle at the scene of a shooting outside Cotten Apartments Wednesday evening. Miguel Espanol was shot in the leg following a fistfight outside the apartment complex. (Duane Sherrill photo)

Shots rang out at Cotten Apartments Wednesday evening, sending residents scrambling for cover and leaving one victim wounded in the parking lot.

The wounded victim, Miguel Espanol, was released from River Park Hospital Wednesday following treatment for gunshot wounds to both legs inflicted by a handgun of unspecified caliber. According to McMinnville Police Investigator Nichole Mosley, the wounds to both legs were actually inflicted by a single blast which tore through the victim’s left calf and passed through to strike his right ankle.

The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the apartment complex located on Bybee Branch Road behind Mark’s Market.

A preliminary investigation revealed Espanol became involved in an altercation with a pair of men outside the apartment complex. The altercation escalated and blows were struck between Espanol and one of the men, a fight Espanol reportedly won. It was at that point the other man, who was present when his friend was beaten in the fight, pulled a gun and opened fire on Espanol.

Witnesses who did not wish to be identified said they heard multiple shots ring out as they scrambled for cover. Mosley said there is some debate as to how many shots were actually fired.

Lawmen are continuing their investigation as the shooter remains at large. The men fled the scene in a vehicle before police arrived. Anyone having information on the identity of the shooter, or the man who lost the fight, is asked to contact Mosley at 473-3386.