There are few things more frustrating than car problems. You have an appointment, need to pick up a child…whatever…and the old flivver conks out, just when you needed it most. That’s apparently what happened to Tyrell Staten of Kansas City back in February. But unlike calling a friend for a ride or dialing AAA for a tow, he decided to put the balky SUV out if his misery.
His fiancee told police Staten became angry when the vehicle broke down on Wilson Avenue, and that he got out, shouted an expletive and fired five shots into the engine compartment of a Toyota RAV4.
Clearly oblivious to bystanders and stray rounds, Staten was apparently unconcerned by the fact that his fiancee was still in the car when he opened up on it.
But as each round fired, Staten heard the woman scream as the shots fell closer to the victim in the car, eventually hitting her.
Fortunately, it appears she’ll recover. Of course, the entire incident might never have happened if the KCPD had arrested him for a charge of sexually assaulting a minor that they let slip between the cracks years earlier. Oh well.
So for his conspicuous stupidity and recklessness in the face of everyday frustrations, we’re naming Tyrell Staten our Irresponsible Gun Owner of the Day. He’s due to be sentenced unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and first-degree assault next month. We only hope the people of Kansas City don’t see him cruising the streets for a while.