OKEECHOBEE — A local man has been accused of firing a weapon to intimidate a victim. On Wednesday, March 10, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Huffman was dispatched to the 11500 block of U.S. 441 Southeast in reference to a shooting at approximately 2:30 in the afternoon. Huffman spoke with Daniel Garland, who reportedly told him he and his family had an issue with another family in the residential park.

According to the arrest report, Garland was upset about something that happened with the neighbor’s son and when the boy’s father drove past his home, he took the opportunity  to discuss it with him. Garland said the neighbor told him he was going to get his gun, so Garland got his own gun. As the argument continued in front of the neighbor’s home, Garland reportedly shot his gun into the ground, because he was afraid the neighbor was going to get his gun.

The neighbor claims there is only one way in and out of the park and in order to leave, he has to go past Garland’s home. He said that as he tried to go past, Garland confronted him and began to argue with him. He continued to his house, but Garland followed, still arguing. Then, Garland fired into the ground in the neighbor’s front yard.

When the deputy checked the Ruger’s serial number with dispatch, he found it was reported stolen.

Garland was charged with grand theft of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and discharging a firearm within a residential area. Bond was set at $8,500.