White taken into custody in connection with shooting

A domestic situation became all too real Saturday when 61-year-old Donald Lee White of Diamond allegedly shot 26-year-old James Swafford in the left thigh at 2305 Reindeer Drive outside of Sarcoxie.

The wound was caused by birdshot from a shotgun. Swafford heard a commotion outside the residence and when he investigated discovered that the suspect had shot up several vehicles outside the residence.

The victim’s mother, Julie Swafford, observed the suspect leaving the property after the shooting. Julie Swafford had an Order of Protection against the suspect and she states she had been receiving threats from him.

Newton County detectives identified the suspect as White, who resides at 18256 Aspen Rd. in Diamond Mo.

Newton County Deputies along with Highway Patrol troopers responded to the suspect’s address where he was taken into custody without incident.

White is charged with 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, Violation of a Protective Order and 3 counts of 1st Degree Property Damage.

Detectives served a search warrant and recovered a 20 gauge shotgun and 357 magnum pistol that were used in the incident.

White is currently in the Newton County Jail.