Hunter Pleads Guilty To Shooting Ultralight Pilot
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A hunter has pleaded guilty to shooting the pilot of an ultralight plane on the first day of dove hunting season last fall. The pilot confronted the hunter after landing.
The hunter, Frank Urban, was sentenced to two years probation after entering the guilty plea on Tuesday morning. He was very emotional during the hearing and thanked his attorneys for their work on his case.
The judge was very stern with Urban, saying he was aggravated and believes that Urban has no remorse.
Urban pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal discharge of a firearm. In exchange for that plea, two other felony charges were dropped.
The pilot, James Johnson, was lucky to escape with minor injuries from the gunfire. Johnson told CBS4 he felts sorry for Urban but believes the sentence should have included jail time.
Johnson said Urban has a history of acting out reckless anger.
Urban and his attorneys refused to comment while walking out of the courtroom.
"This is a traumatic time. We choose not to make any statement but we mean no disrespect to you in that regard," said attorney Leonard Chelser.
There were many conditions to the probation sentence that the judge outlined. Urban must take empathy classes, a cognitive thinking course, anger management counseling and perform community service.
The district attorney also asked that Urban pay restitution to repair the plane. Johnson said the cost to repair the damages is $5,000.
The judge also said Urban can no longer possess a firearm.
