THE VILLAGES, Fla. – A 69-year-old man was arrested Monday night in The Villages on allegations of firing 33 rounds into the home of a woman who refused his sexual overtures, according to deputies.
Sumter County sheriff's deputies said that Howard Sparber, 69, of The Villages, was arrested on charges of armed burglary, aggravated stalking, shooting into a dwelling and criminal mischief.
Recommended Videos
According to sheriff's officials, deputies were called to a home in the 2500 block of Landale Loop in The Villages after dozens of gunshots were fired into the house.
Deputies said an investigation found that Sparber, who was intoxicated, shot into the residence of a neighbor with whom he had become infatuated.
Deputies said Sparber shot into the home in an attempt to gain entry, but no one was home.
During the shooting, neighbors who heard the gunshots confronted Sparber, who was still holding a Sig Sauer 9mm semiautomatic handgun, according to sheriff's officials.
The woman said Sparber had been harassing her since November 2015 with sexual propositions, according to the Sheriff's Office. He also previously pointed a gun at her, making her fear for her life, deputies said.
The woman took steps to avoid Sparber when he repeatedly approached her home, officials said.
Sparber, who was arrested without incident, was found with the gun and two empty magazines, one of which has a 15-round capacity and the other with a 20-round capacity, deputies said.
The shots he fired went into the storm door and front door and continued through the foyer into the kitchen cabinetry and contents, deputies said. The home sustained about $3,000 in damages, officials said.
Sparber is being held in the Sumter County Detention Center with no bond.