Posted on 04/15/2015 10:39:43 AM PDT by JoeProBono
LEE CO., GA
Authorities say a woman was accidentally shot by her son-in-law while he was trying to shoot an armadillo.
The incident had a lot of people scratching their heads- even law enforcement.
"Just the circumstances, just all the way around, the whole situation was unusual," said Investigator Bill Smith with the Lee county Sheriff's Office.
The shooting happened Sunday night on Gosa Road.
Lee County Sheriff's deputies said 54-year-old Larry McElroy was outside when he fired his 9 mm pistol at the armadillo. The bullet killed the animal, but also ricocheted off of it, hit a fence, went through the back door of his mother-in-law's mobile home, through a recliner she was sitting in, and into her back.
According to a report, McElroy was about 100 yards away from the home at the time.
McElroy's mother-in-law, 74-year-old Carol Johnson was fortunately not severely injured.
"She was walking around on her own power and talking," said Smith. "It didn't appear to be too severe. They took her to Phoebe North [hospital]."
James Morgan, the Dougherty County Extension Coordinator said they actually recommend shooting armadillos for residents that live in the county, or a trap can be used to capture them.
"At first I ask if they live in the city or county, because shooting is an effective way of getting rid of them. However, you have to be safe when you do that," said Morgan.
Authorities also suggest using a shotgun to possibly avoid a situation like what happened Sunday.
"I really think if they're going to shoot at varmints and whatnot, maybe use a shotgun.. with a spread pattern with a lot less range," Smith said.
"At first I ask if they live in the city or county, because shooting is an effective way of getting rid of them. However, you have to be safe when you do that," said Morgan.
Another option to get rid of armadillos is using grub pesticide, which kills the insects that armadillos are usually trying to get to.
No charges were filed in the case.
Good going Joe!!
Shooting at an armadillo or an old bat?
Maybe it's actually the other way 'round!
In all fairness there are times when the distinction between the two can hardly be made.
(ducking for cover :) )
It's a Two-Fer!
Armadillos.....possums in tanks.
Armadillo skin might be a cheap alternative to Kevlar!
This is why I have an armored recliner.
They looked so similar, officer!
Amazing Shot
Often you get what you pay for....
"The bullet killed the animal, but also ricocheted..."
Nothing like deep fried armadillo.
I hate it when that happens! ;^)
"You ready? Watch this. I been practicing."
Cheap is as cheap does! :-)
(Mother in Law) Mother In Law
(Mother in Law) Mother In Law
The worst person I know
(Mother-in law, mother-in law)
(Mother-in law, mother-in law)
She worries me so
If she’d leave us alone
We would have a happy home
Sent from down below
Mother in Law Mother in Law
Satan should be her name
To me they’re bout the same
Every time I open my mouth
She steps in, tries to put me out
How could she stoop so low
I come home with my pay
She asks me what I made
She thinks her advice is a contribution
But if she would leave that would be the solution
And don’t come back no more
Mother in law
My......mother in law
Do you know the difference between In-Laws and Outlaws?
Why did the chicken cross the road? To show the armadillo that it could be done.
Armadillos... also known as Mecha-Possum.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.