EVERETT — An Arlington man is facing up to a decade in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to an August shooting that left another man with serious injuries.
Prosecutors say the victim remains in a rehabilitation center where he requires around-the-clock care. He was shot three times through-and-through in the groin and stomach areas. The bullets damaged the man’s bladder, liver and right kidney, according to court papers.
Robert Eugene Peterson, 45, pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree assault. Peterson entered an Alford plea, meaning he was not admitting guilt but acknowledging a jury would likely convict him of the charge.
On Aug. 7, the victim, Peterson and two other men were gathered around a patio table on property off Burn Road in Arlington. Prosecutors alleged that Peterson shot the other man during an argument likely fueled by alcohol.
Deputies were summoned to the victim’s camper several hours later when he finally decided to call for help. Police had to kick in the locked door. They found the man curled up in a fetal position, bleeding.
While he was being treated by paramedics, deputies spotted Peterson walking around the property. He disappeared into the tree line. After being tracked down by a police dog Peterson was arrested.
The victim told authorities that Peterson flipped out.
Peterson told deputies that he’d shot the man with a .44-caliber handgun.
Detectives later located a .44-caliber revolver wrapped in a white paper towel under a wood pile next to a fire pit on the property. There were three spent casings and two live bullets in the gun.
Peterson is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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