A Baker man is facing an aggravated assault charge after allegedly firing multiple shotgun rounds in the direction of a juvenile Monday night, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of shots fired near Skeeter Lane around 8:30 p.m. in the Baker area.
Investigators say the incident began when a juvenile was near the corner of his family’s property, building a fort and using a flashlight on his phone.
A nearby neighbor, identified as 54-year-old James Knight, told deputies he believed the individual was an adult trespassing. Authorities say Knight ordered the juvenile to leave before firing a round from a 20-gauge shotgun in the person’s direction in an attempt to scare him away.
According to the sheriff’s office, the juvenile yelled out in fear. Despite that, Knight continued firing additional rounds even after recognizing the individual as a juvenile and acknowledging that he was not on his property line.
Knight told deputies he held the firearm at a 45-degree angle while firing.
No injuries were reported.
Investigators say Knight’s actions created a well-founded fear in the victim and demonstrated the ability to carry out a threat, which meets the criteria for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Knight was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
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