Brett Milam

bmilam@enquirer.com

Blue Ash police and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon that the suspect in Tuesday's Smashburger shooting has been arrested in Los Angeles.

Trey Gentry, 19 and of Sycamore Township, was wanted in connection with the shooting, which occurred after a physical altercation with 25-year-old Joshua Abbott in the back of the restaurant, police said in a sworn affidavit. Gentry was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after authorities learned of his departure from the area.

"Detectives uncovered Gentry’s attempt to flee the area on a flight headed to Los Angeles, California," Blue Ash Police Sgt. Allison Schlie said in a news release. "The detectives worked cooperatively with local and federal partners ensuring Mr. Gentry was immediately taken into custody upon landing in Los Angeles at approximately 12:30 p.m. eastern standard time."

Abbott was shot multiple times by Gentry, according to police, with one bullet striking Abbott's femoral artery, a large artery in the thigh.

Police said Gentry was seen on security video and identified by Abbott in a photo lineup.

Gentry was charged with attempted murder, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, which is assisting the Blue Ash Police Department.

The shooting happened before 2:30 p.m. at the Smashburger on Cornell Road near Reed Hartman Highway, according to Hamilton County dispatch.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Abbott suffering from gunshot wounds. It's not known what position Abbott held at the restaurant.

Abbott was taken immediately by the Blue Ash Fire Department for medical treatment. He's listed in critical, but stable condition as of Wednesday morning.

Gentry is being held in Los Angeles awaiting extradition hearings to be returned to Hamilton County.