When a man reportedly became angered by his neighbor’s use of a leaf blower, he allegedly approached while wearing his bathrobe and threatened him and his dog with a semi-automatic pistol.
51-year-old Curtis Manfred Franz lives in a quiet, residential neighborhood in Largo, Florida.
On March 8, just before 8:00 AM, Franz’s next-door neighbor was doing yard work. The man was using a leaf blower to remove leaves from his roof, and his dog was sitting in the backyard while he worked.
Franz’s neighbor reportedly heard what he believed to be several gunshots over the noise of the leaf blower. A few moments later, Franz allegedly entered the man’s yard wearing a bathrobe and toting a firearm.
Franz reportedly insisted that his neighbor cease using the leaf blower and threatened to shoot the man’s dog if he did not comply. He allegedly proceeded to warn that he would shoot the man as well.
The Largo Police Department sent officers to the location. When they spoke with the alleged victim, he explained that he believed he heard someone fire five or six gunshots right before Franz showed up on his property. He additionally informed the officers that Franz was wearing a holster with his bathrobe.
According to the arrest affidavit, when the police talked to Franz about the situation, he was still wearing the robe. The authorities also believed he was drunk.
When the area was searched, the police reported that they located “7 shell castings” close to Franz’s house.
Franz was placed under arrest and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing a felony charge of aggravated assault, and a misdemeanor for discharging a firearm in public. He was released from custody on a $5150 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.