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Stardust14 Asked August 2014

Elderly cowboy out of control. Any advice?

Father is old west, old school and is threatening to shoot people who come on his property including family. He has already shot at someone he thought was stealing gas out of his truck on his property, it was my nephew (24 years old) who came over to fix the window on dad's truck. He has always been like this but since he had a stroke in April he has gotten worse. I'm at my wits end and don't know what is going on with him because I don't want to get shot at but I don't want to be held responsible for what ends up happening either.

lsmiami Aug 2014
Take dad out to lunch and remove the weapons. If you cannot get to all of them, for example if they are in a safe, proceed to get guardianship - he is a menace to himself and society.
Do alert Law enforcement. but after you have removed the guns or have confirmed you are unable to do so. Once he realizes you or the sheriff want him to give up the weapons he can become more combative and dangerous.

You have no time to waste, this is a dangerous situation.

jeannegibbs Aug 2014
Wait a minute. Your father has dementia (after a stroke), he has actively threatened to shot people, he has in fact shot at someone, and you are wondering what to do?

GET THE GUNS AWAY FROM HIM!!

Good grief. You think you feel bad about upsetting Cowboy Dad -- how would you feel about attending the funeral service for your nephew? Or a social worker? Or a paramedic?

Use littletonway's suggestion of removing him from the house and having someone remove the guns, and the sherriff there to explain it when you get home.

Use Pam's suggestion about notifying law enforcement.

A person with dementia is not safe with guns. No way, no how.

I think you may be too close to the situation, and have just accepted what you call your Dad's cowboy ways all your life. Try to read your post as if someone else had written it. What would you tell that poster?

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littletonway Aug 2014
Take him out to lunch and have some remove all the weapons/bullets immediately. A rougher approach would be have the sheriff come talk to Father, explain what a danger he presents to the community and why he is removing all the weapons. Sheriff could bring a letter from Father's doctor. The life you save could be someone you love!

pamstegma Aug 2014
You should at least notify the County Sheriff and 911 services. Save a Life.

freqflyer Aug 2014
Stardust14, I read your profile. Even with one of those Life Alert pendants, first responders may not go onto your Dad's property if they feel it isn't secure [meaning there could be a threat to their life]. Your Dad could start shooting at them.

I realize your Dad probably feels it's his 2nd Amendment right to own firearms, but with his unsteady health, this is a tricky situation. Would it be possible to take away all the bullets, but let him keeps his firearms? Or would he drive into town to buy ammo, even though it sounds like he shouldn't be driving at this point in time.

anonymous158299 Aug 2014
move him to the southern border and get him bigger firepower .

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