Angry Guy Fired Cannon at Neighbors: Cops

Well, here's one way to handle a disagreement with your neighbors: Fire up your trusty Civil War replica cannon and bombard them with blasts of noise. That's what police in New York state are accusing Brian J. Malta of doing, the Buffalo News reports. The 52-year-old, apparently upset with one of his Chautauqua County neighbors (the sheriff will only say, "It's a civil matter"), allegedly fired powder charges toward the neighbor's residence. No actual cannon balls were fired, but the blasts were heard miles away, and went on for days.

Malta was arrested Wednesday at his Kiantone home and charged with menacing and harassment; his cannon was also confiscated as evidence. His attorney put out a statement yesterday, the Post-Journal reports: "Contrary to any impressions that might have been formed upon initial reports of his arrest, Mr. Malta is an upstanding and well-respected citizen in the Jamestown area. He appreciates the national and international interest in the story surrounding the unique circumstances of his arrest," but "vigorously disputes the allegations." (More weird crimes stories.)