a Colorado man has been charged with first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, and two counts each of felony menacing and reckless endangerment — a misdemeanor — after allegedly shooting a teenage boy in the face through a car windshield. The man believed that the teen and his friend were trespassing on his property.
The teens were on the property seeking permission from the homeowners to use the property to take their homecoming photos. The man also happens to be a member of his small mountain county's town council.
More from CafeMom: Man Accused of Being a 'Drunk Karen' After Flipping Out on Teens Fishing Near His House
The teen and his friend wanted to take homecoming photos.
The 17-year-old boy and his 15-year-old friend were on the property of Brent Metz, looking to ask him for permission to take their homecoming photos on his property. CBS News reported that the teens told deputies they hopped the fence to try to find the owner of the property.
When they couldn't find anyone, they followed the sound of music to an outbuilding, and yet again, no one was there. So they assumed that no one was home and went back to their car.
They didn't realize they were being watched.
One of the residents saw the teens on a security camera and called law enforcement to say the teens were trespassing. Jacki Kelley, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff, told CBS News that there was no indication from the person who called that they were being robbed.
"We were headed up there on an unwanted party on their property," Kelley said.
Metz reached the teens before the police did.
The teens told investigators that they were parked in their Audi along the road, and were writing a note to the homeowners asking for permission to take photos when a pickup truck that was being driven by Metz pulled up. It was parked at an angle, blocking them from moving.
"In the process of writing that note, a truck pulled up next to them. An adult male got out, pointed a gun at the windshield of their car and fired the gun," Kelley said.
Investigators found the note the teens were writing in a school binder. They said that Metz didn't say anything before firing his gun.
"There was no conversation," Kelley said. Metz didn't offer any explanation as to why the teen was shot, but did ask for a lawyer.
More from CafeMom: Woman Allegedly Went 'Crazy' & Shot Infant Granddaughter in the Head
The teens don't think Metz intentionally shot at them.
An arrest affidavit indicated that the 17-year-old victim didn't believe Metz shot at him intentionally. The 15-year-old told the authorities that he heard the gun go off and saw the windshield shatter before he ducked. He then heard Metz say "Oh s—, my gun went off."
The 15-year-old quickly removed his shirt and ran to his friend to tend to his wounds. He told police that Metz tried to help, but he pushed him away and asked why he had shot his friend.
"There is nothing so far that we have learned that would cause us to believe that this was, that there was any intent to commit crimes that they were doing anything that would have been malicious or criminal other than stepping across their fence," Kelley said.
It's not legal in Colorado to use a gun to defend your property.
Kelley explained that in Colorado, lethal force can only be used if there's a belief that there will be harm to oneself or others. She also noted that Metz was not charged with attempted first-degree murder. He was booked on a $5,000 bond.
"Our office requested a cash only bond, but the court gave Metz a PR bond," a spokesperson for District Attorney Alexis King told CBS News via email. A PR bond means that the defendant's signature acts as a promise to appear in court. Metz is due back in court on September 17.
