Ohioan allegedly shot at motorists

1/16/2010

BEREA, Ohio - A 65-year-old man apparently drove through Cleveland suburbs and randomly shot at moving cars several times over four months, authorities said yesterday in announcing an arrest.

Paul Hausmann is suspected of shooting at four vehicles in Berea and a fifth in Strongsville between mid-August and mid-December, Berea Police Chief Mark Schultz said. No one was hurt.

Others may have been targeted, the chief said.

Mr. Hausmann pleaded not guilty yesterday during an arraignment by video hoookup from the jail. Bond was set at $1 million. The case now goes to a grand jury.

Mr. Hausmann, who lives about a block from the Ohio Turnpike, has not provided any detailed statements to police and no motive was known, Chief Schultz said.

He apparently was shooting randomly while at the wheel, said Lance Kimmell, of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Mr. Hausmann was arrested Tuesday on information developed from tips and charged with felony assault and carrying concealed weapons, Chief Schultz said.

The shootings had led police to increase patrols in the area and talk with residents. The announcement of the arrest came a week after authorities posted a $5,000 reward.