While many crimes involving a weapon can be dangerous or even turn out to have a tragic end, sometimes they are not as harmful as some might think. However, a North Carolina man is facing charges after being accused of shooting at a tree. While the tree was located in his front yard, the man allegedly fired his weapon at the tree while sitting on the front porch.
The 60-year-old man was arrested and taken to the New Hanover County Jail. He is facing a charge of discharging a firearm within the city limits. A police representative stated that authorities were contacted and responded to the man’s house after a report was called in of shots being fired. The man was allegedly intoxicated and purportedly admitted to police he had fired his weapon at the tree.
Police confiscated his weapon to use as evidence and also say they took three shotguns and two rifles out of his home. The man has posted bail and was released from jail. There is no word on a trial date or further criminal proceedings set for this man.
The North Carolina man will be required to answer the weapon charges against him in a court of law. Fortunately, he is innocent until proven guilty, notwithstanding the claimed admission. However, it’s important that all those in North Carolina who have been accused of a crime know that you do not have to admit to any crime or speak to police, even if they ask you to. Knowing your legal rights when facing criminal charges can go a long way toward protecting your freedom.
Source: Star News Online, “Man jailed for allegedly shooting at tree,” F. T. Norton, April 27, 2012