A Lehigh Acres man spent Christmas in the hospital after an argument with his girlfriend led her nephew to shoot him in the groin, authorities said.

Authorities arrested the teenager accused of his involvement in the shooting.

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the ordeal began when the argument between the victim, 30-year-old Ira Carey, and his girlfriend led him to leave the area on foot, a news release said.

Carey was walking near 7th Street Southwest and Ivan Avenue when his girlfriend's nephew allegedly pulled up in a car and got out, the release said.

They began arguing and the nephew, 17-year-old Ondre Carter, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Carey multiple times in his groin, the release said.

Previous coverage:Authorities investigating Christmas Day shooting in Lehigh Acres

Carter got back into the car and sped off, the release said.

Deputies arrested Carter at his home in the 2900 block of Gene Avenue North in Lehigh Acres shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday, the release said. He was taken to the Lee County Juvenile Assessment Center.

Carter faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. His court date is set in juvenile court on Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.

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The release said Carey, the victim, was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Reached on Facebook while still in the hospital Wednesday night, Carey said he was in stable condition and was hoping to be able to leave the hospital Thursday.

It was all a misunderstanding and he does not intend to press charges against Carter, he said. He declined to elaborate further except to say: "He's a good kid."

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