Tension Turns Tragic in Hamilton County: Attempted Murder Charges

News Summary

A day of family fun in Hamilton County took a dark turn when Benjamin Cook Sr., 56, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing a rifle at a family sledding with their children. The incident escalated from a property dispute, shocking a normally peaceful community. Cook, who has a criminal history preventing him from owning firearms, is facing serious charges and is currently held at Hamilton County Jail. Authorities continue to investigate, as concerns grow over community safety amidst winter weather advisories.

Tension Turns Tragic in Hamilton County: Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Things took a frightening turn in Hamilton County on January 10 when a man, aged 56, named Benjamin Cook Sr. was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly fired shots at a family enjoying a day sledding. Yes, you read that right—a day of fun and laughter in the snow quickly spiraled into a nightmare.

Sledding Family Under Fire

On that fateful morning, a family, consisting of two parents and their four young children, set out to enjoy some winter fun on Stoney River Drive. With sleds in tow and plenty of smiles, they were making the most of the snowy weather when tragedy struck around 11:30 AM. Reports indicate that bullets fired by Cook landed dangerously close—just yards away from the family’s one-year-old son.

The Disputed Property Line

What led to such an extreme reaction? According to Cook, he believed the family was trespassing on his property. However, an investigation revealed that the family was well within their rights to sled on the public road. With emotions running high, things turned deadly for a moment as Cook allegedly took matters into his own hands.

Evidence Unfolds

Days after the shooting, images taken by a neighbor revealed Cook walking near the woods, rifle in hand, shortly before the alarming incident. An alarming situation, to say the least, and it raises questions about how such a chilling encounter could happen in a normally peaceful community.

A Troubling Past

This incident becomes even more concerning when looking into Cook’s history. Despite having a lengthy criminal record that prevents him from legally owning a firearm, police discovered several rifles in his home. This is not just a cautionary tale; it demonstrates a serious breakdown in the system meant to keep firearms away from those who pose a risk to society.

Facing Serious Charges

Cook has been charged with a total of six counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated child abuse, and multiple additional gun-related charges. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; these are serious allegations that may have lasting consequences.

Where He Stands Now

Currently, Benjamin Cook is held at the Hamilton County Jail with a bond set at a substantial $50,000. He’s also mandated to wear a GPS monitoring device as part of his house arrest conditions, which is typical in cases of such severity. With a court appearance scheduled for February 10, the community is left to wonder what the legal process will unveil about this traumatic day.

What’s Next?

This investigation remains ongoing, and there’s potential for additional charges to be filed against Cook as authorities sift through evidence. The situation serves as a stark reminder of how fragile community relations can become under stress, especially in the context of personal property disputes and gun laws.

Winter Advisories to Take Note Of

In other news, Hamilton County has issued a winter weather advisory, predicting snowfall that could cause havoc on the roads. Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving and to keep an eye on the weather updates, especially with this troubling incident fresh in everyone’s mind.

The unfortunate reality is that while snow brings joy to many, it can also lead to unexpected consequences. Families out enjoying winter activities should be able to do so without fear, but this event serves as a bitter reminder of the darker side of human conflict. Stay safe, everyone!

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Additional Resources

• Local 3 News: Case Update on Shooting Incident
• Fox19: Hamilton County Prepares for Snow
• Loveland Magazine: Level 2 Snow Advisory
• Wikipedia: Hamilton County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hamilton County
• Google News: Hamilton County Snow