Tiffin man arrested after shooting at unoccupied vehicle

Hunter
11/15/22

A Tiffin man was arrested early Monday after allegedly firing at an unoccupied vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:21 am on the 400 block of Kimberlite Street. Police responded to the area after a report of gunshots being fired was received. As the responding deputy searched the area for suspicious activity, he reportedly observed 32-year-old James Christensen exiting a residence on Stephans Street while holding a black firearm in his hand.

As Christensen left the residence, he allegedly placed the firearm on the deck near the front door and stepped down to the driveway. Upon contact with the deputy, Christensen reportedly admitted to firing two shots at a nearby vehicle parked on Kimberlite Street.

The vehicle was unoccupied, and bullet entries were located. The driver’s side window, windshield, and the lower corner of the rear bumper sustained damage as a result of the two rounds. Christensen allegedly told the deputy that he fired at the vehicle because he believed there was someone near it pointing a firearm at him.

Two shell casings were located near where Christensen said he was standing when he fired his weapon. He had a permit to carry, but it was suspended in September 2018 in relation to an OWI arrest.

Christensen was taken into custody and charged with Reckless Use of a Firearm causing Bodily Damage and 3rd degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to 4 years in jail.