CASS COUNTY, Michigan – A 59-year-old Indiana man is facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years after a jury convicted him of multiple felony weapons charges for allegedly firing shots at a married couple while they were fishing in southwest Michigan. The incident occurred last spring and culminated in a jury verdict this week in Cass County.
The defendant, identified as Britt Allen Weaver, 59, was found guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 25, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of felony firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10.
Incident Overview
According to the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting incident took place on May 3, 2025, near Christiana Creek in Calvin Township. Prosecutors said Weaver fired an AR-15 rifle in the direction of a married couple who were fishing in the area.
The couple, who previously lived in the Niles area, testified that the outing was meant to be their first fishing trip of the year at one of their favorite local spots. What began as a routine recreational activity quickly escalated into a dangerous confrontation.
Prosecutors allege Weaver approached the couple and appeared visibly upset about their presence near the creek. He reportedly accused them of being connected to recent thefts in the area.
Timeline of Events
Authorities said the encounter began with a verbal confrontation between Weaver and the couple. After the exchange, Weaver allegedly left the immediate area and returned to a nearby property where he had been staying.
Feeling unsettled by the interaction, the couple decided to leave. As they were departing the area, they reported hearing a gunshot coming from the direction where Weaver had gone. They immediately called 911.
During trial testimony, the couple described hearing a bullet pass dangerously close to them.
“The Defendant turned a favorite fishing spot into a shooting gallery,” said Cass County Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning during court proceedings.
The couple told jurors they could hear the bullet from Weaver’s gun “whizzing by their head,” underscoring the severity of the alleged actions.
Details From Prosecutors and Law Enforcement
When sheriff’s deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, they detained Weaver and recovered the AR-15 rifle believed to have been used during the incident.
Authorities stated that Weaver provided contradictory explanations about the direction in which he had fired the weapon. Based on those statements and evidence gathered at the scene, he was taken into custody.
Prosecutors argued that firing a weapon in the direction of another person—regardless of intent to injure—constitutes a serious and dangerous criminal act under Michigan law.
After approximately four hours of jury deliberations, Weaver was convicted on all four felony counts.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz addressed the broader implications of the case following the verdict.
“We are a second amendment county,” Fitz said. “But we cannot forget that guns are killing instruments. If you wrongfully shoot at someone, you will have serious consequences.”
Key Facts in the Case
- Defendant: Britt Allen Weaver, 59
- Residence: Indiana
- Incident Date: May 3, 2025
- Location: Christiana Creek, Calvin Township, Cass County, Michigan
- Charges: Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon; two counts of felony firearm
- Weapon Recovered: AR-15 rifle
- Conviction Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25
- Sentencing Date: April 10
- Maximum Possible Sentence: Up to 10 years in prison
Additional Context on Firearm Responsibility
While Michigan recognizes Second Amendment rights, state law places strict limitations on how firearms may be used. Assault with a dangerous weapon, commonly referred to as felonious assault, carries significant penalties—especially when combined with felony firearm charges, which add mandatory prison time in many cases.
Law enforcement officials routinely stress that responsible gun ownership includes understanding when and where it is lawful to discharge a weapon. Recreational areas such as rivers, creeks, and public fishing spots often see increased activity during warmer months, making safe firearm handling even more critical.
This case highlights how quickly disputes can escalate when firearms are introduced into a confrontation. What began as a disagreement over suspected theft allegations resulted in felony convictions and the possibility of a decade behind bars.
Conclusion
With sentencing scheduled for April 10, Weaver now faces the consequences of a jury’s decision that determined his actions endangered the lives of two individuals enjoying a day outdoors. The case serves as a reminder of the serious legal risks associated with discharging a firearm in the direction of others.
As the community reflects on the verdict, questions about firearm safety, conflict resolution, and responsible gun ownership remain central to preventing similar incidents in the future.
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