PORT ANGELES – The trial begins Wednesday in Clallam County Superior Court in the case of an October 8 shooting near Joyce.
42-year-old Gary Edwards of Joyce is facing 3 charges of reckless endangerment, one charge of disorderly conduct and an assault charge, and that’s after taking a bullet that ended a fight that prosecutors say he started.
The man that shot him, allegedly in self-defense, is 62-year-old Steve Thompson, also of Joyce.
Sheriff’s investigators say Edwards and his wife had driven to their property on Whiskey Creek Beach Road and were having ongoing problems with trespassing hunters.
Edward’s wanted to confront Thompson that day after being told Thompson had trespassed on his property.
Thompson claims Edwards and his wife blocked his vehicle as he was heading toward Highway 112. When he drove around his vehicle and continued, Thompson claims Edwards sideswiped him and forced him off the road.
Investigators say that led to a fist fight and Thompson, fearing for his safety, shot Edwards in the arm and chest with a single round from a 9mm handgun.
Edwards was airlifted to a Seattle hospital for treatment. Thompson is not facing any charges following the shooting.