Grand Jury: Rye Man Threatened, Shot Firearm Near Family Member

BRENTWOOD, NH — A man from Rye was indicted this month on two felonies stating he threatened a family member with a pistol and then recklessly fired the weapon at a gas grill. Ronald Hordon, 50, fired the .45 caliber pistol while his 19-year-old relative was close by, according to indictments issued at Rockingham County Superior Court. The bullet struck the grill and traveled in between two propane tanks, the indictments state.

The incident occurred at a home in Rye on the evening of Sept. 13, when Rye police responded to a domestic dispute on Birchwood Drive. No one was injured as a result of the firearm, according to police.

This month, the grand jury indicted Hordon on a criminal threatening with a deadly weapon charge, stating he waived or pointed the loaded Glock pistol near the family member's face. Hordon was also indicted on a reckless conduct with a deadly weapon charge stating he placed the 19-year-old in danger when he fired the weapon.

Both charges are Class B felonies, each carrying a maximum possible sentence of 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison if Hordon is convicted.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt; rather, it means a grand jury has found sufficient evidence in the case to warrant a trial.