An Augusta man who shot his son with a bow and arrow after an argument turned physical pleaded guilty Tuesday, Aug. 30.
James W. Harn, 66, was sentenced to seven years of probation under the First Offender Act. Judge Amanda Health accepted the negotiated sentence in Richmond County Superior Court.
Harn and his son got into an argument April 15 over the treatment of a dog, said Assistant District Attorney Justin Mullis said. There was some pushing back and forth before Harn got his crossbow out.
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Defense attorney Jordan Price said Harn wanted the judge to understand he didn’t mean to shoot his son, only to fire an arrow near him.
Mullis said the injury was minor.
As a condition of probation, Heath ordered Harn to have no violent contact with his son. The two intend to live together after Harn is released from jail where he has been held since his arrest last spring.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.Â