Brandon Twp.-

A township man’s lesson in gun safety was a failure after he discharged the weapon, damaging his own home as well as a neighbor’s, leading to a police response and discovery of his marijuana stash.

According to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office report, Brandon deputies responded at about 3 p.m., Nov. 29, to a home in the 400 block of Don’s Court, where a 56-year-old man said he had been standing inside his front door, showing his 52-year-old girlfriend how to safely handle his .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, when he accidentally discharged the gun. The bullet shattered the glass of his front door before striking his neighbor’s home. Deputies secured the

weapon and then spoke with the 65-year-old neighbor, who said he heard a gunshot followed by a loud noise inside his home. When he checked his living room, he observed a small hole in his wall and another small hole in his couch. No one was injured.

While interviewing the suspect, deputies noticed a strong odor of marijuana. The suspect said he is a medical marijuana patient and registered with the state of Michigan. He told the deputies he had marijuana plants in his basement and consented to a search of his home, which revealed that the suspect was not in compliance with laws regarding medical marijuana as he had 21 plants, more than he is allowed, is not a caregiver, and had an additional five pounds of marijuana. The man admitted he has been selling the drug.

The Narcotics Enforcement Team responded to the residence. The man was released pending further investigation and a report was presented to the Prosecutor’s Office for charges.