Golfer shot after errant drive hits house

By Derek Evers

Golf can be a trying sport, but it should never be a life-threatening one. Yet that's exactly the unlikely scenario that unfolded yesterday at the Lakeridge Golf Course in Reno, Nevada.

According to AP, a pair of unidentified golfers were playing Lakeridge's 16th hole, when an errant shot hit the home of Jeff Fleming, shattering a window. Fleming, 53, was none too pleased, and according to police, he fired a shotgun at the pair, striking the one who hit his house.

"The neighbors were shaking their heads, and we were shaking our heads, and no one could put rhyme or reason to this [shooting]. It's crazy," Lt. Keith Brown said. "I've been an officer for 25 years, and if you're here long enough, I guess you've seen everything."

Brown added that neighbors also told investigators it was a "common, everyday deal" for stray golf balls to hit their homes.

The area around the 16th hole was evacuated after the shooting and the golfer who was shot was rushed to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries to an arm and both legs. Fleming drove to a Reno attorney's office, where he surrendered without incident. He was booked at the Washoe County jail on felony charges of battery and assault with a deadly weapon. He was released early Friday after posting $40,000 bail. He's scheduled to appear Oct. 4 in Reno Justice Court.

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