Man in Legal Trouble for Shooting Trespasser
ACCOMACK COUNTY — A man allegedly trespassing on private property was shot by the homeowner Monday in Pungoteague.
The shooting victim was transported by Melfa Volunteer Fire Department to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.
Both individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
The property owner, 54-year-old Christopher W. Floyd, was arrested on charges of malicious wounding, use of firearm in commission of a felony, and reckless handling of a firearm. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.
Property owner Christopher Floyd should learn when to use his weapon; and the law.
Instead, the 54-year-old property owner faces a multitude of charges that could have been easily avoided if he had chosen other means to initially engage the trespasser.
Now both parties are in legal trouble-and for good reason.
Floyd’s actions may seem to be legal in the Hollywood pop culture universe; however, days of sitting on a porch rocking chair with a double-barreled shotgun across your lap to shoot trespassers simply aren’t real.
This story serves as a reminder to access the situation at hand, while putting significant consideration into the legal repercussions that may come with it.
Of course we as gun owners have the right to defend ourselves, but just because someone wanders along our patch of grass doesn’t give us the right to end a life.
