A local man was charged Monday after he allegedly fired a BB gun in the direction of city workers.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Frederick Krause Jr., 60, 15 N. Seventh Ave., opened his front door Monday morning and rapidly fired BBs from his BB gun in the general direction of city workers, who were attending to water pipes on the street.

The complaint said a passing witness reported the incident to Iowa City police. Upon the arrival of an officer, Krause was in his driveway, the complaint said. He allegedly hid the BB gun in the hood of his car to conceal it before officers approached him. During the investigation of the incident, Krause denied he was attempting to shoot at city employees and said he was shooting at birds, the complaint said.

Krause allegedly said he didn’t know it was unlawful to discharge BBs. He eventually surrendered the BB gun to officers, who also seized another pellet gun in his possession.

Krause is charged with discharging toy guns, a violation of a city ordinance.

— by Matt Starns