"It’s basically a turtle versus man story – and the turtle won"

[rkh]

Hooked turtle gives armed fishers shell
INDE STAFF REPORT

It’s basically a turtle versus man story – “and the turtle won,” said Sgt. J.J. DiLoreto, with the Massillon Police Department.

Police responded to a call that a firearm had been discharged shortly after 11 p.m. Friday on the Tuscarawas riverbank near the intersection of Earl Road and Lake Avenue.

“From what I understand, two guys where out fishing on Friday night ... just on the western side of the river,” DiLoreto said. “But instead of catching a fish, they caught a snapping turtle.

“So these two knuckleheads have this turtle hooked and I think they were planning to eat it,” DiLoreto continued. “Apparently he was taking a shot at the turtle and his foot got in the way. He shot himself in the foot.”

The discharged weapon was a 9mm handgun.

“I don’t know how bad his foot is, but I do know they took him to a hospital by private vehicle right away. ... At that close range and the bullet moving that fast, it had to have hurt like heck.”

DiLoreto said he is not sure if the turtle lived or not. “I can’t say with a 100 percent certainty – but I think the turtle got away,” he said.

The case is listed as a possible fourth-degree misdemeanor, which could mean up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.

http://www.indeonline.com/index.php?ID=18998&r=0&Category=

 

[CajunBass]

So he should have used a .45?

 

[Regolith]

So he should have used a .45?

Then he'd be missing his whole foot instead of just a toe or two

 

[Wes Janson]

He should have been using a BB gun, with that kind of aim

 

[Quoheleth]

He should have been using a BB gun, with that kind of aim

Nope. SHould have been an AIR rifle...loaded with nothing but!!!

 

[jefnvk]

Better title-

It's basically a man v. turtle story, and the man lost.

Idiot.

 

[hacksaw]

OK,so what is the best caliber for snapping turtle? Would AP be a good coice to ensure shell penetration? I hear that they will charge when wounded.

 

[AndyC]

That settles it - slow 'n' heavy wins

 

[Don Gwinn]

People routinely take snappers with .22, if they're out of the water. I haven't tried it, though. We generally just trap one under a 5-gallon bucket.

Sounds like the officer hasn't tried snapping turtle, but it's actually delicious stuff. In my family, we freeze it and save it for Thanksgiving.

 

[billhilly66]

I never needed a gun but once for a snapper (that sucker was HUGE). Just stretch their neck out with the fishing line and deploy the knife.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

What level protection is a turtle's shell? II? IIIA? At least this wasn't the teenage mutant variety, they can be vicious.
I've never had turtle before *adds turtle to list of tasty animals to try someday*

 

[FieroCDSP]

I head about this on the radio. Moron.

 

[Colt]

"... At that close range and the bullet moving that fast, it had to have hurt like heck.”

This statement makes my head hurt.

As if it wouldn't have been such a big deal if only he'd been shot from a greater distance. I guess then the bullet would have been given a chance to slow down to a less painful speed.

I know there's a difference in energy at different ranges, but this statement just struck me as a high-school thing for a cop to say.

 

[03Shadowbob]

I think a CZ52 is needed for a turtle shell!

 

[silverlance]

turtle tastes pretty good but i always feel sorry for them. blame a childhood growing up with cute depictions of turtles.

the method of cooking my family uses is sort of humane. they put the turtle shell and all into water and slowly cook him. since he's cold blooded he doesn't notice himself getting boiled alive.