Cannonball!

Jersey City, New Jersey, September 15, 2009:

A New Jersey history buff who recreates firearms from old wars accidentally fired a 2-pound cannonball through the wall of his neighbor's home. William Maser, 54, fired a cannonball Tuesday evening outside his home in Jersey City that ricocheted and hit a house 400 yards away. The cannonball, about two inches in diameter, smashed through a window and a wall before landing in a closet. Authorities said nobody was hurt.

The cannonball awoke the fired-upon neighbor from his post-happy hour nap. The neighbor, identified as Ronatarian Party leader Ron, said he was frightened to death when he was awoken by the blast.

"I remember thinking to myself: 'What the f*ck was that?'" Ron told reporters. "I was completely thrown off the couch and empties went flying everywhere. ... Thankfully, the damned thing ended up in [roommate] Brad's closet. My sh*t's OK."

State police charged Maser with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

No one answered the phone Wednesday at Maser's home. He told The New Jersey Spew recreating 19th century cannons is a longtime hobby. He said he is sorry and he will stop shooting them on his property.

"I should hope so," said Ron. "Now I gotta go out and buy new underwear."

Posted by Bittle at September 15, 2009 01:09 AM