Lincoln Man Says Tooth Pain Pushed Him to Fire a Gun In Town

A Lincoln man is facing charges after shooting a firearm in a direction that endangered others.

What Charges Does the Suspect Face?

Christopher Bean, 22, of Lincoln is charged with discharging a firearm near a dwelling and reckless conduct with a firearm.

Why Was He Firing the Gun?

Police were called to a home on Spring Street Sunday for reports of shots being fired. The report indicated that Christopher Bean was allegedly using a handgun on the premises. Lincoln Officers used caution and set up a perimeter near the intersection of Spring Street and West Broadway. Officials noticed him outside the building and were able to make contact with him. The situation ended when Bean was detained, without further incident.

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Once he was in custody, Bean was found to be in possession of a loaded, 9 mm handgun. When police interviewed him, officials say he allegedly admitted to discharging a firearm from an upstairs window and said it was due to tooth pain and stress. During this investigation, police say they found shell casings matching the firearm outside the residence.

Were Others Endangered in This Situation?

When police examined the direction of the shots that were fired, they realized that Bean had allegedly fired in the direction of Kathadin Avenue and Depot Street, which are frequented by pedestrians and construction workers. Wayward shots in that area would potentially endanger the safety of others in the area, putting them at risk of 'serious bodily harm.'

Bean was arrested and taken to the Penobscot County Jail. The Lincoln Police Department appreciates the tips that ended this situation before anyone got hurt and encourages all residents to report any potentially suspicious activity that they witness.