A 34-year-old man died after police say another man pointed and fired a BB gun during target shooting on Avenue G.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A fatal shooting involving a BB gun in Fort Pierce is highlighting the potentially deadly force of air-powered projectile guns after police said a 34-year-old man was shot during a gathering Saturday and later died at a hospital.
Police said several men were shooting a BB gun at trees in the 2900 block of Avenue G on Aug. 22 when 36-year-old Jabari Cowart asked to use it. Investigators said Cowart then pointed the BB gun in another man’s direction and fired. The victim collapsed shortly afterward and was taken to Lawnwood Hospital, where he died.
Cowart was charged with manslaughter and taken to the St. Lucie County Jail. The case remains under investigation, and the charge against him is an allegation. Police have not released a detailed public account explaining why the BB gun was pointed toward the victim or whether investigators believe the shooting was intentional.
The death stands out because BB guns are often viewed differently from conventional firearms, but the projectiles they fire can still cause severe injuries. Ken Noble, marketing manager at The Tactical Store in Fort Pierce, told WPBF that BB guns can be “extremely dangerous” because they send a metal projectile at high speed.
“Anything with a projectile can be a weapon,” Noble told the television station. He said a projectile traveling fast enough can penetrate skin and strike a vital area. His comments came after police announced the manslaughter charge in the Avenue G death.
Authorities have not publicly released the model, power source, velocity or other specifications of the BB gun involved. The available reports also do not provide detailed medical or forensic findings about the fatal injury. Without those records, the exact characteristics of the gun and projectile involved remain unclear.
Police described the events before the shooting as a group of men firing at trees rather than a confrontation. Their preliminary account says Cowart asked to use the BB gun and then pointed it toward the victim before firing. No motive has been announced, and the reports reviewed do not describe an argument or other conflict immediately before the shot.
WPBF reported that the incident occurred near an elementary school. The available accounts do not indicate that any children, students or school employees were involved. Police identified the location as the 2900 block of Avenue G and have not publicly identified the 34-year-old man who died.
The investigation remains active as police continue examining the circumstances that led to the shooting. Authorities have not announced additional charges or released further details about the BB gun, and the available reports did not identify the next scheduled court proceeding for Cowart.
Author note: Last updated August 25, 2026.