The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said Keith Walendowski, 57, attempted to start his 21-inch Lawn-Boy on Wednesday morning, but without success. After he shot the lawnmower, a woman living in the same building reported him to police, who subsequently found shells, a handgun and a stun gun in his home.
The paper said Walendowski, who had been drinking all morning, told police: "my lawn mower wouldn't start, so I got my shotgun and shot it... I can do that. It's my lawnmower and my yard, so I can shoot it if I want."
He has been charged with illegal possession of a short-barreled shotgun and disorderly conduct while armed. If found guilty on both charges, he faces up to six years and nine months in prison, the paper said.
The paper quoted the owner of a local lawnmower dealership as saying the shooting didn't help Walendowski's chances of getting the machine repaired.
"Anything not factory recommended would void the warranty," he said.
