Warner Robins man banished from Houston County after reckless gun violence results in ten-year prison sentence 

WARNER ROBINS — One Warner Robins man’s effort to stand up for his friends turned almost deadly. 

Jaylon Dontez Smith, 21, pleaded guilty on July 9 to one count of aggravated assault, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison along with banishment from Houston County after his release. 

The Houston County District Attorney’s office said in a statement that Smith committed the crimes on January 3, 2024, on Terrykay Circle in Warner Robins. 

That same day, a group of female juveniles were engaged in a fist fight and later grouped together to talk to family members and friends about it. The DA’s Office said Smith was friends with one of the girls involved and arrived on scene with a firearm. He then fired several rounds at the group. None were injured.   

Smith was filmed fleeing the scene in his vehicle with the firearm in his possession. Law enforcement intercepted Smith in the same vehicle and he was arrested. Officers found two firearms and multiple packaged narcotics in his vehicle. 

Detective Robert Broussard of the Warner Robins Police Department investigated the case. 

Senior Assistant District Attorney Mike Smith prosecuted the case. He said in a statement that anyone should feel safe in their home without the fear of “dodging bullets”.

District Attorney Eric Edwards said in a statement that this case shows how quickly reckless behavior can turn into near tragedy. He said this case was prosecuted as an aggravated assault rather than multiple homicides because of “sheer luck”.