Plainfield Man, 67, Harassed Neighbor With Starter Pistol: Police

PLAINFIELD, IL — A 67-year-old Plainfield man was arrested after allegedly chasing and harassing his neighbor with a starter pistol, according to police. The man was charged with three counts, including criminal damage to property, before posting bail and being released, Plainfield Police said.

At 2:47 p.m. on Aug. 29, a neighbor saw William E. Wheeler firing a gun in his backyard. The neighbor went outside to talk to Wheeler about shooting the gun, and a confrontation ensued, said Sgt. Mike Fisher of Plainfield Police.

The neighbor ran inside his house and was followed by Wheeler, who then stood outside of his neighbor's house, calling to the neighbor and knocking on the door, Fisher said. The neighbor called police, who arrived to find Wheeler outside the home with the gun in his hand.

It turns out the gun was actually a starter pistol, which is used to mark the beginning of races and has a solid steel barrel that cannot shoot projectiles, Fisher said.

In knocking on his neighbor's door, Wheeler allegedly damaged the door's latch. Wheeler, of the 22000 block of Bussey Drive, was charged with criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and aggravated assault.

Wheeler paid his bond and was released by the Plainfield Police Department, Fisher said. His next court date in the case is unknown.