Soldier shot by brother trying to kill rattlesnake

I probably shouldn't, but I couldn't help but get a laugh out of this one.


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CHARLOTTE COUNTY — Deputies say a man shot his brother in the ankle while trying to kill a rattlesnake.

According to investigators, 21-year-old Michael Apostolou, who was on leave from the Army, was shot by 22-year-old James Apostolou around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Deputies say the men were working in the backyard of the home at 12151 Duval Boulevard in the Gulf Cove area when they heard the snake.

James reportedly went into the house to get a .22 caliber handgun to kill the snake, which had coiled at Michael's feet.

Deputies say James aimed for the snake's head, but missed and shot Michael in the right ankle. He was taken to Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.

Investigators say the snake got away.

Link

One of the first things that popped into my head is "I wonder if he had his brother do that (or shot himself?) instead of having to go back on active duty?" He certainly wouldn't be the first...

Hopefully that is not the case, and his brother really is just a poor shot.