Missouri Woman Charged with Assault After Allegedly Firing Gun During Fence Dispute

A Missouri woman has been charged with first-degree assault following an incident where she allegedly fired a gun at her neighbor amid a dispute over their shared fence. The event took place on October 11 in St. Charles County, a suburb northwest of St. Louis.

According to St. Charles County court records, the incident began when the victim was installing metal 'T-posts' and accidentally misaligned one. While the victim was kneeling and using an electric side grinder to cut the post, he reported hearing yelling and then a voice counting down "3, 2, 1" before a gunshot was fired.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police appeared to show the suspect, identified as Paula Kohensky, 60, aiming the firearm at a downward angle. Kohensky admitted to possessing a handgun but claimed the discharge was accidental, court records state.

Kohensky told law enforcement that she heard a loud metal sound and saw sparks coming from under a tarp near the fence, which startled her. She stated she yelled, "Get away from my fence," upon seeing the victim's shadow. Court filings indicate that empty handgun ammunition casings were found near where Kohensky was standing.

Kohensky also mentioned to investigators that the neighbor has a history of harassment and stalking toward her that had been ongoing for several months. The victim and Kohensky provided conflicting accounts of the incident in their interviews with law enforcement.

The court has ordered Kohensky to have no contact with the victim, surrender any weapons, and remain at least 500 feet away from the victim. The court filings did not specify if the victim sustained any injuries from the gunshot. Kohensky's bail has been set at $500,000.