Gun play leads to drug bust

SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO AM) - An argument over a drug debt led to gun play and the arrest of a suspect on felony drug charges and another arrest for possession of a stolen handgun.

Officer Sam Clemens says 19-year-old Vernon Hofer wanted payment for drugs from 18-year-old Deonte Thornton and the two started fighting.  Clemens says Hofer was hitting Thornton who drew a gun and fired two rounds.  Hofer was not hit and managed to get the gun away from Thornton.

Hofer drove away and Thornton walked from the scene at East 5th Street and North Sherman Avenue.

Police arrested Hofer at his North Lake Avenue apartment and seized two pounds of synthetic marijuana, a half-pound of marijuana, hash oil and four-thousand dollars cash..

Thornton is charged with aggravated assault.