Man Arrested For Firing Warning Shot At Burglar

A man was arrested for firing a warning shot at a burglar. Corey Thompson of Medford, Oregon, fired the shot when he found Jonathon Kinsella trying to break into his home. He has now been arrested for firing his weapon.

As a veteran, Thompson explains that grabbing his AR-15 was a natural reaction. He contends that it was never his intention to harm Kinsella, he simply wanted to frighten him off the property. Thompson reportedly warned the burglar that he would fire the warning shot before it happened.

As reported by MSN, Thompson served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kinsella is a convicted felon who was wanted at the time of the break-in. Despite the circumstances and the backgrounds of both men, Thompson was arrested for discharging his weapon.

Medford Police Lieutenant Mike Budreau states that Thompson simply went too far:

“There was nothing that the suspect was doing that was aggressive enough to justify the shooting. In fact, the suspect was walking away.”

As reported by KDRV News, Thompson admits he did fire the weapon:

“I can see where they’re coming from, with those kinds of ordinances and stuff … I understand yes, I did discharge my weapon but I was careful not to fire it at anybody’s residence. It was at the ground specifically.”

Despite his explanation, Corey Thompson was arrested for firing a warning shot at the burglar. Authorities explain that bullets from an assault rifle can ricochet after hitting their intended target. As the area was residential, police are concerned that someone else may have been harmed.

Thompson had to surrender his weapon as it was used in the commission of an alleged crime. He has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and reckless endangerment. If found not guilty, his weapon will be returned.

People often purchase weapons to defend themselves and their homes. However, discharging a weapon may lead to criminal charges. Corey Thompson was arrested for firing a warning shot at a burglar that attempted to break into his home.

[Image via Wikimedia]