A shocking tragedy unfolded in Hamilton County, Tennessee, when Benjamin Cook allegedly opened fire on a family of six sledding in the snow. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the family was enjoying a winter outing in their neighborhood.
The mother of the family described hearing gunshots and seeing snow fly just inches away from her one-year-old son. In response, the parents immediately yelled at the shooter, later identified as Cook, who claimed the family was on his property.
The family quickly gathered their belongings and left the area, reporting the frightening encounter to authorities. When deputies arrived at Cook’s home, they discovered evidence linking him to the crime, including photos showing Cook carrying a rifle through the woods.
Cook now faces six counts of aggravated assault, and further charges could follow depending on the ongoing investigation.
This tragic incident highlights a growing concern about property disputes turning violent. While the family insists they were not on Cook’s property, Cook allegedly took matters into his own hands, putting innocent lives at risk. Fortunately, no one was injured, but this close call serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a day of fun can turn into a tragedy.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation, and the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of such a senseless act.
