A man in Chautauqua County, New York has been accused of firing his Civil War inspired cannon, as a way of making his point in an ongoing dispute with a nearby resident.
Some people simply don't want to let go of the past. A man in Chautauqua County, New York has been accused of firing his Civil War inspired cannon, as a way of making his point in an ongoing dispute with a nearby resident.
The suspect, 52-year-old Brian J. Malta allegedly pointed his cannon directly at his neighbor’s house before firing. People from miles away reportedly heard the cannon go off.
Malta has been arrested and charged with harassment and menacing. Although it is not illegal to possess a cannon in the state of New York, local law enforcement authorities were forced to confiscate Malta’s replica to be held as evidence in the case.
The cause of the hostility towards Malta and his neighbor remains unknown. A local police spokesperson claimed it was a civil matter.
Thankfully no injures were reported from the cannon firing. No actual cannon balls were used, and instead, Malta fired powder charges that were contained in place by bundles of foil or paper. Malta is currently out on $2,500 bail.