2 arrested in Jeannette shooting that left both injured

Two men were arrested this week in connection with an August shooting in Jeannette that left both injured.

City police and Westmoreland County detectives said James Winston Smith, 42, of Jeannette, was in an alley behind North Third Street when he fired a handgun at James McClinton IV, 34, of Wilkinsburg.

Police said McClinton returned fire on Aug. 24 just after 2 a.m. and fled into his girlfriend’s apartment.

Smith was arraigned Wednesday on charges of attempted homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, weapons violations and related offenses. McClinton was arrested Tuesday on weapons violations and charges of receiving stolen property and drug possession.

Both suspects have previous felony convictions that prohibit them from having firearms, police said.

Authorities were called to the alley and say they found Smith, who initially gave police the wrong name, lying wounded near a handgun, ski mask, spent shell casings and a vehicle that had bullet holes, according to court papers. He and McClinton were taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville for treatment.

McClinton told police he was returning to his girlfriend’s apartment from a few local bars when he was shot in the leg and back, according to court papers. He fired a gun he had with him in the direction of the first shots.

Police said they found marijuana, crack cocaine and two guns that had been reported stolen in McClinton’s girlfriend’s apartment. He told investigators the items belonged to him, according to court papers.

McClinton is free on $25,000 unsecured bond. He did not have an attorney listed. His hearing is set for July 16.

Smith was ordered held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond. He did not have an attorney listed in the new case. His preliminary hearing is set for April 30.

Smith was arrested in October in connection with an alleged drug operation at a North Seventh Street home, where investigators found large amount of suspected cocaine, prescription pills and drug packaging materials, according to court papers. A habeas corpus hearing is set for June 23.