(KNSI) – Law enforcement is reminding residents that it’s dangerous and potentially illegal to fire warning shots. Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck issued the warning after a recent incident where a property owner called after a resident fired warning shots because they believed someone was prowling around their property.
The sheriff’s office says do not fire warning shots if you are concerned there is someone on your property or for any reason. Officials say the safe and legal way to handle suspicious or illegal activity is to call 911 and get to a safe area.
The sheriff’s office says residents can’t use deadly force to protect property in Minnesota. Officials say it’s only legal to use deadly force as a last resort when someone is threatened with great bodily harm or death. The sheriff’s office says the law also requires people to retreat from danger, if possible, before using deadly force.
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