Prescription drug deal ends in shooting, Clearwater police say

CLEARWATER — A prescription drug deal between two Clearwater men turned violent Tuesday night when one shot the other in the leg, Clearwater police say.

According to an arrest report, Cody A. Fleming, 21, met Landon K. Rachel, 27, at 1462 Franklin St. to buy drugs. Upon arrival at about 7:20 p.m., Fleming pointed a firearm at Rachel's head in an attempt to rob him, police said.

Rachel tried to grab the gun, but in the course of the struggle, he was shot in the leg, police said. He was taken to Morton Plant Hospital. His condition was unavailable.

Fleming was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, persons engaged in criminal offenses having weapons and possession of marijuana.

Wednesday afternoon, Fleming was being held at the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $60,500. In November 2009, he was sentenced to 13 months in prison for battery, possession of a controlled substance and marijuana.