FL Man Mistakes Pool Tech for Intruder, Shoots Him
It seems like we talk about it every day, the world is getting more and more trigger happy!
From a simple honk on the highway, to an innocent traveler using a stranger’s driveway to turn around, many people seem to have adopted the philosophy, “shoot first, ask questions later.” People seem to be waiting for uninvited guests to cross their paths and they are ready to kill! The state of things are already scary enough, but what happens when a homeowner opens fire on an invited service technician?
Florida residents Bradley and Jana Hocevar were in their Dunedin home when they witnessed an intruder entering their back yard. The couple reportedly called out to the man from inside their house, ordering him to leave their property. When the stranger did not respond, Bradley – a retired lieutenant colonel – reverted to his army training and grabbed an assault rifle.
From his position in the house, crouched behind his couch, Hocevar fired 28 shots at the man in his backyard, later identified as Karl Polek. Luckily, Polek ran after being struck by shrapnel from the first round, avoiding further injury or death by the following 27 rounds.
Citing Florida’s “stand your ground” law, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is calling the incident “lawful but awful.” Never mind the fact that the reason Polek was in the Hocevars’ backyard to begin with was that he works for a company hired by Hocevar to service their swimming pool and Polek was simply there to perform a cleaning service.
Polek is recovering from his injuries.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
