MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. — A Paragon man was arrested on Saturday for shooting at a crowd of kids enjoying fireworks.
Gary Horton, 60, was charged with:
- Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon
- Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon
- Resisting Law Enforcement Officers
- Disorderly Conduct
Officers were dispatched on Saturday at 10:33 p.m. to the 100 block of Barbara Walls Dr. in Paragon on a report of shots heard and that a neighbor was threatened with a gun. Upon arrival to the scene, a witness said that a male in a nearby home told them that he was going to "use an AK and shoot them."
While speaking with individuals, the officer heard what seemed to be shots coming from an automatic rifle. The officer grabbed his pistol, began surveilling the area, and called for backup. After backup arrived, he advised the suspect that the home was surrounded and to exit with his hands up.
According to court documents, a disoriented female exited the home and was placed in handcuffs. The man did not initially comply but eventually went outside with his hands up. However, he reportedly remained non-compliant, and officers had to use a taser to handcuff him.
Multiple deputies arrived at the scene and conducted a sweep of the home where they found several rifles, shell casings, a handgun, and numerous cans of beer. Horton then allegedly told law enforcement that he was upset that his neighbors were shooting fireworks, so he decided to leave the residence and shoot ammunition from his AK into the ground. He also told authorities that he drank 12 beers.
At the scene, officers collected 19 forms of witness and victim statements. Every form had the same consensus, stating that Horton threatened to harm them, and several minutes later, began shooting a firearm where several children were present.
On Sunday at approximately 12:23 a.m., a search warrant was granted for Horton's address. Officers were able to seize multiple weapons, several boxes of ammunition, and additional weapon-related accessories from Horton's home. The woman was also at the house at the time.
Horton was transported to the Morgan County Jail. Information will be updated as it becomes available.