Suspected Prowler Shot With BB Gun

BROOKSVILLE - A suspected prowler was shot in the face with a BB gun Friday night when he was caught near a dog kennel on private property.

The barking dogs raised the suspicion of the homeowner, who stepped outside with his BB gun to find Matthew Collins "messing" with the kennel, a report shows.

Believing it to be an attempt to steal his puppies, the homeowner opened fire and struck Collins on the bridge of his nose.

The wounded suspect charged at the homeowner, who slammed his door closed and called 911. Collins took off towards the woods on the north side of the property on Broad Street, where he was found hiding by deputies, a report states.

Collins, 21, was charged with prowling, a misdemeanor. He received a minor cut on the nose.