Police: Vermont Man Killed in Gun Prank

(CNN) -- A 24-year-old Vermont man was fatally shot by a friend who used a gun in a prank, police said.

The alleged shooter apparently tried to prank his sleeping friend by waking him up with the loud sound of an air rifle, police said.

However, police said, the man mistakenly used a real rifle in the prank.

Nicholas Bell, 23, was charged with manslaughter after the incident Thursday, Manchester police said.

"The accused fired the weapon, which was a loaded .22 cal rifle hitting the [victim] in the chest," a police statement said. "The victim died at the scene."

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Jeffrey Charbonneau.

Both men were guests at the Manchester home where the shooting occurred, police said.

Bell was jailed and bail was set at $250,000.

Police Shock Toy Cougar With Taser

Haha, what dumbasses! And why would they taser something that wasn't moving or growling at them, anyway?? Oh, and apparently there's video. LOL

WARREN, Mich. -- Warren police responded to a 911 call about a cougar on the prowl.

"It's huge; it's like a 150-pound cat," the caller told the operator.

Approximately 10 officers arrived at Bates Park on 14 Mile Road east of Van Dyke and saw what looked like a big cat in an old cement drainpipe.

"And I went back behind there and shined a light there -- and it's in there," said the caller.

Warren police shot a Taser at the animal -- hitting what turned out to be a large toy cougar.

Police Commissioner William Dwyer said officials now believe the incident was a prank, but he said his department could not take any chances since it was near a playground.

"We did what we had to do. We want to keep the city safe," said Dwyer.

Dwyer said the prank cost the city more than 1,000 police hours between the response from 10 officers and the paperwork they had to file.

If the prankster is caught, he or she could have to pay the city back for the wasted police officers and could face 90 days probation.
Watch: Police Respond