AVON PARK, Fla. -- An Avon Park senior is charged with attempted murder after allegedly threatening to kill and shooting at some landscapers who apparently sprayed grass clippings on his car, authorities said.
Max Horton, 91, of Avon Park, was at his Palo Verde Drive residence Sept. 17 when landscaper Robert Hendrix accidentally got some lawn clippings on Horton's car, according to a Highlands County Sheriff's Office arrest report.
An argument between the pair turned violent when Horton allegedly pulled out a handgun, ordered Hendrix to get on his knees and told him he was going to kill him.
Another landscaper, identified by deputies as Johnny Barnes, moved to intervene, according to the report. That's when Horton allegedly fired a round at Hendrix before turning to face Barnes.
At some point, Hendrix was able to disarm Horton and he and Barnes subdued him until deputies arrived.
Horton was initially taken to Highlands Regional Medical Center for treatment following the dispute, according to the Sheriff's Office. He could not be taken to Florida Hospital because he allegedly made threats to hospital staff previously in September 2013, reportedly saying he had a gun in his vehicle and that they would be sorry if he went to get it.
Horton's being held without bond on an attempted first-degree murder charge at the Highlands County Jail
