Powerline Worker Mistaken for Burglar Shot
By: Mario Boone
Updated: July 30, 2009
A lineman from bowie-cass electric coop is lucky to be alive after getting blasted in the face with a shotgun. The unidentified worker was restoring power from Tuesday's severe storms in Hooks when a resident wrongly thought the lineman was an intruder, according to deputies.
Investigators say Jeffrey Duke called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle in his driveway. Instead of waiting for police to arrive Duke allegedly took matters into his own hands. Duke fired two shots in the worker's direction, according to police reports. The worker was struck in the face, lip, and chin. Bowie County chief deputy Larry Parker says the victim is lucky pellets didn't hit his eyes, which could've permanently blinded the man.
Duke bonded out of jail early Wednesday, yet his legal problems are far from over. He's been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted. Deputies urge residents to wait for police unless they face immediate life threatening danger.
Investigators say Jeffrey Duke called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle in his driveway. Instead of waiting for police to arrive Duke allegedly took matters into his own hands. Duke fired two shots in the worker's direction, according to police reports. The worker was struck in the face, lip, and chin. Bowie County chief deputy Larry Parker says the victim is lucky pellets didn't hit his eyes, which could've permanently blinded the man.
Duke bonded out of jail early Wednesday, yet his legal problems are far from over. He's been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted. Deputies urge residents to wait for police unless they face immediate life threatening danger.
