LaGRANGE –  The man accused of shooting his mom at least once in the head is now behind bars in the Troup County Jail.

Justin Smith, 22, was arrested by Troup County Sheriff deputies back at the scene of the crime – at the family’s home on Pinebrook Court –around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Investigators with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the house about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Deputies found the woman outside her residence, covered in blood and yelling for help, stated TCSO officials.

Investigators determined Justin Smith, the woman’s son, shot his mom at least once in the face while she was lying in bed, said TCSO Chief Investigator Capt. Mike Caldwell.

The woman was taken to a Columbus hospital where she remains in critical condition, Caldwell said.

Neighbors identified Smith as the possible shooter and told investigators he just left the area in a car, officials said.

TCSO deputies and investigators worked into the early morning hours searching for Smith.

Investigators located the weapon they believe Smith used to shoot his mom when he was arrested, Caldwell said.

The chief investigator said there was “tension” between the mother and son, but did not elaborate as to a cause or motive to the shooting.

“We just hope she gets through this and we hope she will fully recover,” Caldwell said.

Justin Smith was charged with criminal attempted murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was denied bond and will remain in the Troup County Jail until his first court appearance.

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