Authorities seek to obtain bullet lodged in forehead as evidence

Removal of the bullet requires surgery under general anesthesia.
PORT ARTHUR, Texas (AP) -- In the middle of Joshua Bush's forehead, 2 inches above his eyes, lies the evidence that prosecutors say could send the teenager to prison for attempted murder: a 9 mm bullet, lodged just under the skin.
Prosecutors say it will prove that Bush, 17, tried to kill the owner of a used-car lot after a robbery in July. And they have obtained a search warrant to extract the slug.
But Bush and his lawyer are fighting the removal, in a legal and medical oddity that raises questions about patient privacy and how far the government can go to solve crimes without running afoul of the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Investigators say that Bush was part of a group of gang members who broke into a used-car lot and tried to steal vehicles. According to police, Bush tried to shoot businessman Alan Olive, and when Olive returned fire, a bullet struck the teenager and burrowed into the soft, fatty tissue of his forehead.
Suspect's appearance
Prosecutor Ramon Rodriguez said gang members who took part in the robbery identified Bush as one of those involved. Bush admitted taking part in the robbery but not the shooting, police said.
"One of his eyes is black and he has a big old knot on his forehead," Rodriguez said. "He tells police he got hurt playing basketball."
A few days later, Bush told doctors he had been hit by a stray bullet as he sat on a couch in an apartment.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.