A Starke County man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting another person several times with a BB gun.

Edwin Barker of Grovertown pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery.

The nine-year term is the maximum sentence allowed under his plea agreement.

The investigation began in January.

Authorities say a neighbor took the victim to a Plymouth hospital with severe injuries. Several BBs were lodged under the victim’s skin and in the head, including one that struck the right eye.

Investigators say Barker left the home in the victim’s vehicle. He was later found and arrested.