Security guard arrested after accidently shooting co-worker at Erlanger

Jayce Jenkins (Courtesy: HCSO)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Friday, a security guard working at Erlanger Hospital accidentally shot another security guard.

Jayce Jenkins, 24, is being charged with felony reckless endangerment for shooting Ryan Howard.

According to an affidavit, Jenkins and Howard were both Walden Security guards.

Both parties said the shooting was an accident.

Around 7 p.m., the two men were jokingly calling each other names. Howard “playfully” pretended to kick Jenkins, according to the affidavit. Then, Jenkins stood up and drew his gun.

Howard said Jenkins got in his face and then shot him in the left groin.

Both men said that they joke around in this manner. For this reason, it is believed that the shooting was an accident.

However, the affidavit said Howard is pressing charges due to Jenkins’ negligence with a firearm.