Man faces charges after deer shot near Saint John homes
Last Updated: Sunday, November 1, 2009 | 5:23 PM AT
CBC News
A Saint John man is facing a number of charges after he allegedly shot and killed a deer in a residential area in Red Head Sunday morning.
Police responding to reports of a man firing a shotgun at wildlife, just off the Red Head Road, found the accused unconscious in the backseat of a truck about 8 a.m. The carcass of a deer was nearby, said acting Staff Sgt. David Arsenault.
Police plan to charge the man, who is in his early 60s, with possessing a gun without a valid licence or registration, and being in the care and control of a vehicle while under the influence, Arsenault said.
'There could have been kids playing the backyard, or someone out doing yard work … easily could have been shot.'—Acting Staff Sgt. David Arsenault
The man also faces charges under the Wildlife Act for discharging a firearm within 400 metres of an occupied dwelling. The shooting took place within 45 metres of some homes.
"Well obviously if he misses the deer, nobody knows where the bullets are going to go," said Arsenault. "There could have been kids playing the backyard, or someone out doing yard work … easily could have been shot.
"We take it very seriously," he said.
Matt Jones, of the Department of Natural Resources, agrees.
"We would hope everyone who hunts in this province would take all due caution," he said. "When you're so close to residences, you never know what might happen."
The accused is scheduled to appear in court in early January.
