Pierce County prosecutors have charged a 55-year-old man accused of shooting an acquaintance who refused to lend him bail money earlier this month.
Ervin Banks faces one count of first-degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault and one count of first-degree burglary for the Feb. 4 incident at a Tacoma apartment in the 1100 block of Highland Avenue.
Banks is not in custody. Police stopped a vehicle associated with him earlier this week but he eluded officers, police said. Authorities are seeking a warrant for his arrest.
The victim was shot in the cheek, left shoulder and right hip. When officers responded to the apartment, they found four .25-caliber bullet holes in the bathroom door.
Apparently the victim provided Banks bail money in the past but refused to give him money again because Banks was not in jail.
The men argued on the phone and Banks again called to ask for $175, according to charging papers.
Banks showed up at the victim’s apartment moments after being refused and allegedly began firing as soon as the victim opened the door.
He continued shooting as the victim fled to the bathroom and pretended to call 911, court records show.
Banks is charged with second-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance in unrelated cases.
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8426 stacia.glenn@ thenewstribune.com
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