A Francis resident has been charged with Attempted Murder and numerous other criminal offenses, after he drunkenly fell into a Christmas tree last weekend, and then sprayed a residence with gunfire, narrowly missing two other occupants.
The suspect, identified as Randal Weed Dickinson, is due to make an initial appearance in Third District Court Monday Morning.
According to the charging document, the defendant’s birthday is December 25th. He will be 57 years old on Christmas Day.
According to the filing, Dickinson’s roommate reported he had been drinking all day last Sunday. After Dickinson fell into the Christmas tree, the witness’ son helped him up to his room to sleep it off.
The father and son went outside to smoke. As they were going through the kitchen, they saw and heard gunfire exploding around the room. They ran and took cover behind a wall.
The father reported he felt a bullet pass behind his head and though he might have been grazed.
When the gunfire stopped, and the two men saw his clip was empty, the son tackled Dickinson.
Deputies found 16 shell casings in the home, and bullet holes indicating the defendant was tracking and firing at the two men.
Dickinson was charged with two Counts of Attempted Murder, and 16 Counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm. He also was charged with Possession of Use of a Firearm by a Restrict Person, since he was convicted of Aggravated Assault last year, Intoxication and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon While Under the Influence.
The state is asking for $500,000 bond and noted he can no longer live at the Francis residence.
