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Hernando Today

From Battery Victim To Burglary Suspect

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By KYLE MARTIN, Hernando Today

Published: February 5, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - A man who was bitten on the chest in a front yard brawl went from victim to suspect when he broke into a car parked at the hospital upon his release from the emergency room, a report shows.

How was he caught?

Authorities say he left his discharge papers and prescription on the front seat of the burglarized car. When Jesse Gabbard returned home to 21389 Canal Drive, deputies were waiting in the driveway to take him back to the jail where they had just dropped off his alleged attackers.

The trouble began Sunday around 6 p.m. when a fight broke out between Gabbard and Jeannette Smith, 61, outside their homes on Canal Drive.

According to reports, Jeannette Smith pushed Gabbard in the heat of the argument and the ruckus drew Smith's 62-year-old husband, Quinnon, out to the street from his house, 21835 Canal Drive.

When Quinnon Smith whipped out a pocket knife with a 3-inch blade, Gabbard backed off and went over to his yard, a report states.

Then a third person entered the mix, James Smith, who ran into Gabbard's yard wielding a baseball bat, authorities say.
Gabbard and James Smith picked up the argument, which devolved into a scrap between the two. While the two tussled on the ground, James Smith bit down hard on Gabbard in between his armpit and nipple, tearing the skin and leaving a "deep bite mark impression," a report reads.

Neighbors broke it up, but the arguing flared a second time and Gabard and James Smith were back on the ground fighting, according to Deputy Dennis Wilfong.
Wilfong and other deputies were called in and they charged Jeanette Smith with battery, Quinnon Smith with aggravated assault with a weapon and James Smith with aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated battery.

Jesse Gabbard was taken to Brooksville Regional Hospital, where he was treated and released. Authorities say he opened an unlocked vehicle and stole a stereo system and some CDs, leading to a burglary charge.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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