Docs: Indiana man shot neighbor over lawn mowing, property line dispute

BROWNS VALLEY, Ind. — A central Indiana man arrested over the weekend is claiming self-defense after police say he shot his neighbor who was mowing grass near his property line.

Timothy Florence, a 53-year-old Crawfordsville resident, was arrested on Sunday by Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies after they said he shot his neighbor with a handgun.

Florence was later booked into jail and charged with attempted murder.

The shooting

MCSO deputies were called around 8:30 p.m. Sunday to County Road 475 West in Browns Valley after a caller said a neighbor had shot a man.

Upon arrival, they found a 55-year-old man who had been mowing near his property line had been shot once with a handgun.

The victim was initially looked at on scene by EMS crews before being flown to an Indianapolis area hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is currently listed in stable but critical condition, MCSO said.

Court documents show that a witness on scene recorded the altercation. The video reportedly shows Florence holding a leaf blower near the victim, who was on a zero-turn riding lawn mower near the property line.

Deputies who saw the video said it showed the victim blowing the cut grass off his property as Florence blew it back toward him with the leaf blower. Florence also reportedly pointed the leaf blower at the victim, blowing air at him.

The victim then reportedly began mowing in Florence’s direction, almost hitting his leg and causing him to step aside and blow air at the victim again. This, court docs allege, led to the shooting.

“[Florence] then went behind the mower to the other side of [the victim]. [Florence] drew a handgun from his right side holster, pointed the handgun at [the victim]’s left side and shot him. A gunshot was heard in the video before [the witness] began screaming.”

Aftermath

Police interviewed Florence’s wife, who said she was watching TV in their home when she suddenly heard a gunshot. She went to the front door and then saw the victim leaning over the mower as Florence walked quickly toward her and said “Get in the house, I just shot [the victim].”

Florence’s wife reportedly told deputies she felt the shooting was in self-defense. Florence himself agreed.

The suspect told deputies that he was “in fear of his life” and then shot his neighbor one time with a Glock 43 .9 mm. he had in his side holster. Police said as the interview went on, Florence eventually said he was “done talking.”

This admission caused deputies to arrest Florence and charge him with attempted murder, MCSO said.

At this time, MCSO is not providing any further information regarding the shooting. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any info is being asked to call Det. Jared Kirby at (765) 362-3740.

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