BRIDPORT — Addison County State’s Attorney David Fenster has decided to prosecute Tracy M. Stone, 36, of Bridport for reckless endangerment and simple assault in connection with the accidental shooting of Bridport resident Peter Damone last Aug. 13.
Vermont State Police Det.-Sgt. Robert Patten, lead investigator in the case, confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon as the Addison Independentwent to press. Fenster could not be immediately reached for comment.
Damone was standing in his backyard on that date when he was struck in the face by a .45-caliber bullet, severely injuring him. The ensuing months have seen police investigate whether the bullet had been fired by Stone, who had been target practicing in his own yard four-tenths of a mile away.
Damone, 76, is still recovering from his injuries, which have required multiple surgeries. The bullet went through the fleshy part of one of his arms and into his face, taking out about an inch of his jaw while at the same time piercing his tongue. He recounted the incident and his recovery process in an article that appeared in an extensive feature in the Nov. 1 issue of the Independent.
Patten said Stone is scheduled to be arraigned in Addison County District Court on Monday, April 11.