Post by johnc911 on Mar 31, 2007 5:22:13 GMT -5
Read some of the comments at the end of the article. I think the old guy got screwed
www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703300521
FISHERS, Ind. -- A 70-year-old man ticked off by a driver's use of his land to maneuver a car at a boat launch was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after pulling a gun on the man and his passengers, police said.
Walter McPherson, 70, denies he threatened anyone with his gun. - Submitted by Hamilton Co. Sheriff Dept.
Walter McPherson, whose home in the 6100 block of Wapahani Drive is near a community boat launch at 116th Street and White River, said he was only defending himself and his property.
"I thought you had a right to protect your property," said McPherson, who was taken to the Hamilton County Jail after the vehicle's driver and two passengers called police. "It was sort of a misunderstanding."
McPherson, who later posted a $10,000 bond and was released pending trial, admitted he was carrying a handgun when he and his black Labrador confronted the men on a patch of ground he owns across the street.
He said people often use the land as a turnaround to position their vehicles and trailers on a concrete ramp to the water next to his riverside home.
He estimates as many as 100 boaters visited the area after recent rains raised river levels.
"And about 50 of them turned around on my property," he added. "They use it like it was their own."
When the latest incident happened Tuesday, McPherson said, he decided to confront the trespassers and lecture them on the need to ask permission before occupying someone's land.
He grabbed his gun first.
"I'll soon be a 71-year-old man, with heart problems, diabetes . . . hell, I ain't gonna take no chance on nobody."
He denied that he intentionally waved or pointed the weapon, however.
"I had a gun, I was jerking on my dog, he was going toward the Jeep, and I didn't wave the gun at them," he said.
McPherson said his polite request not to turn around on his property, and his chastising on the need to seek permission first had little effect on the driver.
"The only thing the guy said was, 'Go back in the house, old man.' He said he was calling the police, and I said well go ahead."
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department Maj. Mark Bowen said McPherson readily admitted to confronting the men with a gun.
"He did admit that he took the gun out of his pocket as he approached . . . because he was an older gentleman and in fear for his safety.
"They indicated that he waved or pointed the firearm at them and was making threatening statements."
McPherson said he was stunned when he was arrested.
"I thought you had the right to protect your property, but they (police) wasn't on my side on no terms."
Deputies took both McPherson and his gun away. The weapon remains in custody.
"It could be a real nice place to live if other people just had some respect for it," McPherson said.
www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703300521
FISHERS, Ind. -- A 70-year-old man ticked off by a driver's use of his land to maneuver a car at a boat launch was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after pulling a gun on the man and his passengers, police said.
Walter McPherson, 70, denies he threatened anyone with his gun. - Submitted by Hamilton Co. Sheriff Dept.
Walter McPherson, whose home in the 6100 block of Wapahani Drive is near a community boat launch at 116th Street and White River, said he was only defending himself and his property.
"I thought you had a right to protect your property," said McPherson, who was taken to the Hamilton County Jail after the vehicle's driver and two passengers called police. "It was sort of a misunderstanding."
McPherson, who later posted a $10,000 bond and was released pending trial, admitted he was carrying a handgun when he and his black Labrador confronted the men on a patch of ground he owns across the street.
He said people often use the land as a turnaround to position their vehicles and trailers on a concrete ramp to the water next to his riverside home.
He estimates as many as 100 boaters visited the area after recent rains raised river levels.
"And about 50 of them turned around on my property," he added. "They use it like it was their own."
When the latest incident happened Tuesday, McPherson said, he decided to confront the trespassers and lecture them on the need to ask permission before occupying someone's land.
He grabbed his gun first.
"I'll soon be a 71-year-old man, with heart problems, diabetes . . . hell, I ain't gonna take no chance on nobody."
He denied that he intentionally waved or pointed the weapon, however.
"I had a gun, I was jerking on my dog, he was going toward the Jeep, and I didn't wave the gun at them," he said.
McPherson said his polite request not to turn around on his property, and his chastising on the need to seek permission first had little effect on the driver.
"The only thing the guy said was, 'Go back in the house, old man.' He said he was calling the police, and I said well go ahead."
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department Maj. Mark Bowen said McPherson readily admitted to confronting the men with a gun.
"He did admit that he took the gun out of his pocket as he approached . . . because he was an older gentleman and in fear for his safety.
"They indicated that he waved or pointed the firearm at them and was making threatening statements."
McPherson said he was stunned when he was arrested.
"I thought you had the right to protect your property, but they (police) wasn't on my side on no terms."
Deputies took both McPherson and his gun away. The weapon remains in custody.
"It could be a real nice place to live if other people just had some respect for it," McPherson said.
Somebody would probably get mad if they backed into one while driving around on someone else's place. Oh well, it would only get the guilty parties. 
