Drunk man fires gun to annoy neighbors

EAGLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Wyoming County man was arrested late Saturday night after deputies say he fired a gun over their heads.

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office was called to a home on Route 39 in the Town of Eagle over reports of a resident shooting a gun despite the late hour. Deputies were advised that the previous shift had already warned the resident, 46-year-old Ronald Chittister, to stop firing his guns late at night.

Deputies say they arrived at Chittister's residence around 11:30 p.m. As they approached, authorities say Chittister fired a shotgun in the general area above deputies.

Officers found Chittister just outside his residence and say he was highly intoxicated. Deputies say he admitted firing two rounds from a 16-gauge shotgun to annoy his neighbors, who are within 500 feet of his property.

Chittister was arrested without further incident and charged with second degree reckless endangerment and third degree menacing. An order of protection was issued against Chittister, and deputies seized 22 long guns from his home.

Chittister is being held in the Wyoming County Jail on $250 bail and will return to court in late September.