A Chula man has been charged in Livingston County after a homeowner said he allegedly fired off several rounds from a shotgun to warn the man off his property.

Milan John Bender, 26 is charged with a felony for first degree attempted tampering with a motor vehicle in Livingston County.  Bender was arrested Wednesday in connection with an investigation that began Tuesday night in Chula.

The Sheriff’s Office said it and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded around 9 p.m. Tuesday to a property in Chula after a 911 caller reported someone trespassing and attempting to steal a UTV.

“The homeowner had gone outside armed with a shotgun and gave commands to the suspected prowler,” the office said. “The owner reported the man was attempting to start his Polaris UTV and the owner discharged the shotgun twice in a safe direction while giving warnings to the suspect.”

The suspect allegedly ran east on foot and was picked up by another person.  The office said the investigation continued through the night and following day when Deputy Sheriff Ryan Ford arrested Bender in connection with the case.

Bond for Bender has been set at $25,000 cash only.  He is being held in the Daviess Dekalb County Regional Jail.