August 2, 2016
From Denver.CBSLocal.com
BRIGHTON, CO – A hunter has pleaded guilty to shooting the pilot of an ultralight plane on the first day of dove hunting season last fall. The pilot confronted the hunter after landing.
The hunter, Frank Urban, was sentenced to two years probation after entering the guilty plea on Tuesday morning.
Urban pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal discharge of a firearm. In exchange for that plea, two other felony charges were dropped.
The pilot, James Johnson, was lucky to escape with minor injuries from the gunfire.
Johnson said Urban has a history of acting out reckless anger.
Urban must take empathy classes, a cognitive thinking course, anger management counseling and perform community service. He must also pay restitution to repair the plane. Johnson said the cost to repair the damages is $5,000. Additionally, Urban can no longer possess a firearm.