Home
APOLLO BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a 67-year-old man fatally shot a neighbor who charged at him with a knife during a confrontation after his dog knocked over a sign on the man's yard.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the shooting took place about 6 p.m. Thursday in Apollo Beach.
Deputies say David Cockerham was outside 52-year-old John Gallik's home when his dog became startled and knocked over a sign near the sidewalk. As Cockerham tried to control the dog and move the sign, Gallik began yelling profanities and charged toward Cockerham with a butterfly knife. Gallik then threatened to cut Cockerham's throat.
Cockerham told deputies he feared for his life when he pulled a .38-caliber revolver from his pocket and shot Gallik.
An investigation continues and deputies say Cockerham hasn't been arrested.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says the shooting took place about 6 p.m. Thursday in Apollo Beach.
Deputies say David Cockerham was outside 52-year-old John Gallik's home when his dog became startled and knocked over a sign near the sidewalk. As Cockerham tried to control the dog and move the sign, Gallik began yelling profanities and charged toward Cockerham with a butterfly knife. Gallik then threatened to cut Cockerham's throat.
Cockerham told deputies he feared for his life when he pulled a .38-caliber revolver from his pocket and shot Gallik.
An investigation continues and deputies say Cockerham hasn't been arrested.