Tennessee man arrested after shooting at family sledding in the snow, deputies say
A Tennessee man is facing charges after he allegedly opened fire on a family sledding in the snow, claiming they were on his property.
Benjamin Cook faces six counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the 6300 block of Stoney River Drive on Friday after receiving a report that a man had shot a family of six playing outside in the snow.
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Benjamin Cook faces six counts of aggravated assault. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
Preliminary information from the scene showed the parents and their four children were walking along the street preparing to sled down a nearby hill, deputies said.
But around 11:30 a.m., the family said they heard gunshots coming from the direction of a house down the hill near the 10400 block of Birchwood Pike. The mother said she observed snow flying just feet away from her one-year-old son.
The parents immediately looked in the direction of the gunfire and yelled at a man later identified as Cook to stop shooting. The man claimed the family was on his property, but the family responded that they were not.
A man is facing charges after allegedly shooting at a family sledding in the snow. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
The family then packed up their belongings and returned home before reporting the incident to authorities.
Deputies arrived at the shooter’s home and spoke with Cook. They also obtained photos from neighbors showing Cook walking in the woods wearing matching clothing and carrying a black rifle.
Cook was later arrested on a charge of aggravated assault.
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The investigation also revealed that the family was not on Cook’s property when he began shooting. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
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The investigation also revealed that the family was not on Cook’s property when he began shooting.
Police executed a search warrant at Cook’s home and found several rifles inside.
