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Williamsport man arrested for Monday shooting; victim recovering

The man arrested in connection with Monday’s shooting in the 600 block of Green Street was Christian L. Campbell, who was found lying in the middle of the street when officers responded to the neighborhood to investigate a report of shots fired about 3 p.m., according to city police.

Officers initially believed Campbell, 22, of 613 Green St., was the gunshot victim, but it turned out that he had fallen in the street and hit his head, according to what he told officers. He is alleged to have shot Collin Smith, 35, who was found in a neighbor’s home with gunshot wounds to his legs.

Capt. Michael Corter said Tuesday morning that Smith was shot twice, but it was alleged Campbell fired four times at him. Smith was taken to Williamsport UPMC to get treated for his wounds and is recovering, Corter said.

At the scene, Campbell admitted to being the gunman and told officers that he was not shot, it was stated in a police department press release. He also told officers that the gun he allegedly used in the shooting was on a nearby porch, where investigators recovered it.

Campbell was initially taken to the hospital, but upon being discharged, he was immediately transported to police headquarters on Nichols Place and charged with attempted homicide, illegal possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, all felonies; plus possession of an instrument of crime, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. At his arraignment before District Judge Aaron Biichle, Campbell was denied bail and automatically jailed in the Lycoming County Prison.

The motive for the shooting remained unclear.

Driving an Infinity SUV, Smith stopped in front of Campbell’s home while Campbell and another male were talking outside, it was stated in an arrest affidavit.

Smith stepped out of the vehicle and had a few words with the two men, police said.

Campbell went into his house and Smith got back in his vehicle, police said. However Campbell then came quickly back out and Smith again exited the Infinity, police said.

While the two were just at arm’s length from one another, Campbell “pulls both his arms up and points a firearm towards Smith,” police said, adding that this was all caught on a doorbell video.

In the video, it “appears that Campbell shoots twice at Smith,” who runs and gets in his SUV, it was alleged in the affidavit.

“Campbell then shoots at the SUV,” prompting Smith to get out, dash for cover and seek protective shelter in a home, police said. Police said it appeared that Campbell shot at Smith one more time before Smith got inside the house.

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