Man accused of shooting multiple homes after reportedly shooting through his own roof

GILLETTE (WNE) — No one was injured but three homes were damaged after dozens of gunshots were heard early Monday morning in the Westview Mobile Home Park, rounds allegedly fired by the same man who reported accidentally shooting a hole in his roof with a shotgun Sunday.

A 74-year-old woman called officers at about 4 a.m. Monday to report 10 gunshots she could hear from her home in the 3200 block of Echeta Road. Officers went to the area where they heard another 20 shots fired. They contacted the woman, who said she was shielding herself in her home because rounds had come into her home and struck her furniture, Police Deputy Chief Brent Wasson said.

Officers went into her home and helped remove her from the area.

They identified a home where the person was believed to be firing the gunshots. They issued commands to the 38-year-old man inside, and after about 10 minutes, he came out with a rifle in his hands, Wasson said. He followed police commands and placed the gun on the ground.

The man was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. Three surrounding homes were found with bullet holes and no injuries were reported.

Wasson said that Sunday evening, the same 38-year-old man reported accidentally shooting a softball-sized hole in his roof with a shotgun. The man said he was clearing out the 12-gauge shotgun by pulling the trigger and forgot it was loaded.

He reported the incident immediately and based on the angle of the shot, Wasson said it did not appear as though there was any danger to neighbors and no action was taken.

Charges related to reckless endangerment and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent are pending.

This story was published on May 6, 2024.