Man accused of shooting at family sledding in Tennessee: authorities
Share and Follow


HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Thousands of people across Tennessee spent Friday enjoying the snow, but for one family in the southeastern side of the state, their wintry fun was cut short when a man allegedly shot at them.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to a report of an individual shooting at a family playing in the snow in Harrison, about 15 miles outside of Chattanooga, on Friday.

According to authorities, parents had taken their four children to go sledding on a hill in their neighborhood late Friday morning. While sledding, several gunshots were reportedly heard coming from a home down the hill. The mother of the children said she saw snow fly up from the ground a few feet from her 1-year-old son.

Officials said the parents immediately looked in the direction of the shots and yelled at a man to stop shooting. The man allegedly claimed they were on his property, but the family told him they weren’t. After that, the parents gathered their kids and belongings, returned to their home, and called law enforcement.

Deputies arrived and spoke with the man, identified as Benjamin Cook. Pictures obtained from a neighbor showed Cook wearing matching clothes while walking through the woods, carrying a black rifle slung across his back.

Law enforcement also obtained and executed a search warrant at Cook’s house, where they reportedly found several rifles.

Cook was subsequently arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated assault, according to the sheriff’s office. Additional charges could be filed, pending an investigation.

Deputies also determined the family was not on Cook’s property when the incident occurred.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Trump Announces US Military Action Against Islamic State in Nigeria Following Attacks on Christians

In a dramatic announcement from West Palm Beach, Florida, President Donald Trump…

Unresolved Key Issues Emerge in US-Ukraine Discussions on Ending Russia’s Conflict, Zelenskyy Reports

KYIV – Ongoing discussions between Ukraine and the United States over a…

United States Initiates Strategic Strike Targeting ISIS in Nigeria

On Thursday, the United States carried out military strikes targeting ISIS in…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Trends as Gold and Silver Reach New Record Highs

BANGKOK – On Friday, U.S. futures saw a slight decline, while Asian…

Discover Fernando Dávila’s Vibrant Artistry: A Colorblind Painter’s Unique Perspective

DORAL, Fla. – At just eight years old, Fernando Dávila from Colombia…

U.S. Airstrikes Illuminate Nigerian Skies, Leaving Villagers Disturbed and Homes Shaken

JABO-KAGARA – On Thursday night in the small village of Jabo in…

Ex-Malaysian PM Najib Razak Found Guilty in High-Profile 1MDB Corruption Case

PUTRAJAYA – In a significant development, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak…

Family Feud: Harvey Weinstein Accuser Kaja Sokola Faces Defamation Suit from Her Own Sister

NEW YORK – During Harvey Weinstein’s latest criminal proceedings, two sisters took…