Man arrested for pointing handgun at neighbor while drunk, police say

A 60-year-old man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly, while drunk, pointed a handgun at his neighbor who had asked the man if he sprayed the victim’s car while watering the lawn, police said.

The victim, a 22-year-old man, went outside his home, located on the 1000 block of Pass Avenue, after hearing what sounded like two gunshots fired around 10:30 p.m., said Burbank Police Lt. John Dilibert.

When he went back inside, he reportedly heard another pair of shots fired.

When the victim returned outside, he noticed his car was wet, and his neighbor, identified as Richard Dettman, was watering his lawn, Dilibert said.

When the victim asked Dettman whether he had sprayed his car with water, Dettman, who was reportedly drunk, allegedly pulled out a silver handgun and pointed it at the victim, Dilibert said.

Police responded to the scene and reportedly discovered that Dettman had been testing out his new gun in his backyard, while drunk. He had reportedly fired four rounds.

“Neighbors who live behind him possibly could’ve gotten hit,” Dilibert said.

Dettman, who was arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon, is being held in lieu of $35,000 bail.