A recent Ohio high school football standout is facing felony charges after authorities say he fired an AR-15 along Interstate 71.
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Aaron Phelan, 18, admitted to firing the rifle four times on I-71 northbound in Silverton after Hamilton County deputies arrested him, according to court documents obtained by FOX19.
Authorities were alerted around 5 a.m. July 26 when motorists reported seeing a man with a rifle along the interstate.
One 911 caller said the man was on the side of the road with his hazard lights on and appeared to get into a prone shooting position as the caller approached.
"I don't know if he's trying to shoot at cars going by," the caller told dispatchers.
Another motorist reported seeing a shirtless man standing near the highway with a rifle.
Deputies arrived and arrested Phelan without incident. Investigators said they recovered shell casings and live ammunition at the scene.
During Phelan's arraignment, a prosecutor said the teenager admitted firing the weapon and claimed he was shooting at people who were attempting to steal his car engine.
Phelan's defense attorney said the incident appeared out of character and noted that the 18-year-old had no previous criminal record.
Phelan graduated from Monroe High School this year, where he was a standout football player who played on both sides of the ball.
He is charged with aggravated menacing and discharging a firearm on prohibited premises.
A Hamilton County judge set bond at $100,000 at 10% on each charge.
