Brandon Twp.- Three fishermen should have a whopper of a truthful tale to tell after they were shot at while fishing on Tully Lake.
According to police reports, a 49-year-old father and his two sons, ages 31 and 25, were fishing on the lake when a man later identified as Keith Allen Bauer, 44, of Davison, confronted them from shore. Bauer yelled that they were fishing on a private lake. The father yelled back that he knew the lake was private, but he had permission from a lake resident. Bauer replied, ‘How can you have permission when I own the lake??
He followed his own question by firing a round from a 12-gauge shotgun toward the men. Bauer continued to yell, ‘Get off my property,? as he fired two more rounds. The fishermen called 9-1-1 and advised Bauer of their action, while he continued to taunt them.
Deputies arrived and located Bauer at a residence in the 2900 block of Allen Road. He admitted shooting in the direction of the men, and a Browning 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun was found in his home, along with shell casings.
The Department of Natural Resources informed the deputies that Tully Lake is a private lake that connects with Long Lake, but with permission, anyone can legally fish on both lakes. The fishermen had permission from a lake homeowner.
Bauer was arraigned on one count of felonious assault, punishable by up to four years in prison and up to a $2,000 fine. He was given a $15,000 cash bond. His next court date is set for 8:30 a.m., April 28, in front of 52-2 District Court Judge Dana Fortinberry.