Cape resident gets seven years in prison for shooting at man

Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis sentenced a Cape Girardeau man for assault after he shot at the grandfather of his child.

Darion T. Harris, 19, received seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for second-degree assault.

Assistant public defender Arryn Carson argued Harris should have received a reduced sentence because he is 19, has a 3-year-old child, and the victim said he did not want Harris sentenced to prison.

“I take full responsibility for my actions, but I didn’t want this mistake I made to follow me for the rest of my life,” Harris said.

Lewis said he needed to think about the victim’s life and the lives of other people who could be struck by a stray bullet.

“I’m concerned about the rest of your life, too, but once a bullet leaves your gun, I’m concerned with other people’s lives,” Lewis said. “People who try to solve their problems with guns are a danger to society.”

Harris was identified as a person of interest in the investigation into

the Cape Girardeau shooting death of Quinton David Combs on Nov. 15.

He was interviewed by police and released.

Pertinent address: 100 Court St., Jackson, MO