Mike I just notice this post when it hit the main page. Sometimes posts don't seem to show up on forums unless you are actually signed in. (I tend to be too lazy to do it everytime.)

Interesting story and while it definitely sounds like the guy is guilty, I would be hard press to convict by reasonable doubt. It is probable that he did it. Probably the most important part of the story was the ending about the guy who shot a 17 year old in the foot with a blank charge. We can never stress safety too much and as everyone knows I am a firm backer of prevention.

I often wondered what became of the kid who was arrested in NY for leaving his musket in his car after Brick House?

Will

I have often wondered that myself, but he wasent arrested he was either expelled or suspended from school. it did spawn a great debate on "ZERO TOLERANCE" policies, which got quite lively at times....
Its often the goal of Authorities to go for the big score in cases that should be resolved civily now the revolver case in the documentary maybe reckless endangerment actually both cases, but I think they are pushing for more. but I could be wrong, I often am.....
Seamus

Cogito sumere potum alterum

I think you already were rebellious ..course I am basing that on the few years I have knows ya.

ewwwwwwww 40! you must really be old now

Not that I want to point out the Idiots in this hobby that do really stupid things because often the one will end up being an example for all, but can we get some perspective...?

Published: Saturday, February 21, 2009 6:36 AM EST
Felony assault charges have been refiled against a Civil War re-enactor accused of shooting a fellow re-enactor in the foot last August.

Paul Joseph Sproesser, 44, of 205 Locust St., Frederick, Md., was accused of “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” shooting a 17-year-old, resulting in partial amputation of the young man’s toe.

Sproesser was charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault for shooting a 17-year-old re-enactor during a role-play in front of the Wax Museum, Aug. 3, 2008.

The juvenile had portrayed a Union spy who had been captured, “executed” and covered with a blanket, leaving only his boot-clad feet exposed. Sproesser, portraying a Confederate soldier, was assigned to “finish him off,” according to Gettysburg Police Sgt. Kevin Wilson.

Wilson said during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Thomas Carr in November that he had talked with Sproesser shortly after the shooting. He testified Sproesser told him he “pointed the gun down and fired (and) as he fired, (the young man) moved his foot.”

“He said he did not intend to hurt him,” Wilson said.

The 1842 .69-caliber Springfield rifle discharged close enough to the victim’s foot that the burning black power set fire to the boy’s cavalry boot, and the wadding — there was no bullet in the rifle — shattered the end of the lad’s third toe. While in York Hospital, a portion of the toe was amputated, leaving “about a quarter left of nail bed,” the victim said.

The boy said he had no physical disability from the shooting, but continues to see a pain specialist, and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

Sproesser’s attorney, Steve Rice of Gettysburg, asked that the aggravated assault chargesbe dropped, maintaining there was no evidence that the injury was “intentionally or knowingly caused.”

“There’s no indication this was other than an accident,” Rice said.

First Assistant District Attorney Brian Sinnett countered that “reckless was when you should have known better.”

“He knowingly took a gun and fired it at somebody,” Sinnett said.

Carr dismissed the felony charges, leaving Sproesser charged with recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, both misdemeanors.

But Sinnett re-filed the more serious charges, and a new preliminary hearing has been scheduled before Magisterial District Judge John Zepp, Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Readers may contact John Messeder at jmesseder@gburgtimes.com.

PTSD?
Ive been hit by a falling chimney, gone off of horses, and been in two car rollovers, nearly fell through the burning floor of a Trailer, been in a burning house where ammo was cooking off and numerous other scrapes and injuries, Id be mad at the person who shot off my toe, but PTSD?
Reckless endangerment, tops on charges there was no real premeditation to harm the young lad......
There this one might have some discussion,
Seamus

I met the Captain of the unit in question, in the penslyvannia incident, at Gettysburg.....the first time a heard of this story, it was a print from the Civil war courier, and at first is was a pistol, now a rifle, Ive been meaning to drop the Captain a line, but doubt I would get much more than the same story.......if anything at all, my fear is once again this will lead to more restrictions, when the safety regs are in place now suffice but were ignored,...Its like a couple of years back we had like 20 road fatalities, most of which were caused by two factors, excessive speed and a failure to wear seat belts, there are laws about speed and laws about seatbelts, but both were ignored by these people and they paid with their lives....Now dont get me wrong i am not an anarcist,
(though I do feel like the seat belt laws overstep till we get on that slippery sloap where we wont be able to do anything in our cars...)
I also feel as though the DA might be an anti gun dude with an agenda.
Its just one of those things that make you mad at everyone involved, the guy who shot, the "victim" and the DA.
I am frustrated with the trappings and the pitfalls of the Modern world. as each day goes by I am confronted with a new reality, brought to me in Vivid HD full color, with commentary. the good and well meaning are sued for saving the lives of others, pedophiles are defended as victims, and people are so litigous that you cant make a move without a wavier.......I am aware that things will only get better before they get worse, and I will make my place in this world but I dont have to like it.....
Seamus