Man cites Biden in defense of his shotgun firing

VANCOUVER, Wash., July 18 (UPI) -- A Washington state man accused of firing his shotgun into the air to ward off alleged car prowlers said he was inspired by Vice President Joe Biden.

Jeffery Barton, 52, of Vancouver, who pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count of illegal aiming or discharging a firearm at his arraignment in Clark County Court, told deputies he fired his shotgun into the air to chase away unknown people he believed to be attempting to break into his vehicle, KOIN-TV, Portland, Ore., reported Thursday.

Deputies said they have no evidence of prowlers on Barton's property, but they are looking into a potential connection to a large teen party at a neighbor's home.

Barton said outside the courtroom he was following the advice of a prominent U.S. citizen.

"I did what Joe Biden told me to do," Barton said. "I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air."

Barton was referring to comments Biden made during a question and answer session in February.

"If you want to protect yourself, get a double-barreled shotgun," Biden said. "I said 'Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here... put that double-barreled shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house.'"