Man fires rifle at woman, deputies say

A man was charged with aggravated assault Monday after firing his rifle in the direction of a woman running away from him, deputies said.

Charles M. Owen, 61, of 6063 Desales St., told authorities he chased a group of people armed with a .22-caliber rifle and fired a shot in their direction, according to an arrest report.

The victim told the Hernando County Sheriff's Office she arrived at Owen's house to discuss a car she had purchased from him in April.

She bought it for $500, but it did not run, she said. Owen promised to fix it for her and she arrived at his house Sunday, at which time he told her to return the next day, according to the report.

When she arrived Monday afternoon, Owen stepped outside his house with a rifle and told the victim she would not be getting the car, deputies said.

He pointed the rifle at her and she ran toward her truck. While she was running, Owen fired a shot, according to the sheriff's office.

The victim was with two other people and they also ran away when they noticed Owen with his rifle, deputies said.

A neighbor also told authorities he heard the rifle shot, according to the report.

Owen was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and taken to jail. His bond was set at $7,000.