Resident of The Villages charged with shooting into neighbor's home

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) -  A 69 year-old Villages resident is under arrest and facing multiple felony charges after shooting into a neighbor's residence.

Sumter County Deputies were called to a residence in the 2500 block of Landale Loop in The Villages after Howard Sparber, 69, of The Villages fired 33 rounds into a neighbors residence.  Deputies concluded that Sparber, who was intoxicated, shot into the residence of a female neighbor with whom he had become infatuated.  He shot into the residence in an attempt to gain entry but luckily, the residents were not home.  During the shooting, neighbors who heard the shots exited their residences and confronted Sparber, who was still holding the firearm - a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

The victim reported that Sparber has been harassing her since November 2015 with sexual propositions and had previously pointed a firearm at her, making her fear for her life.  She took steps to avoid Sparber when he repeatedly approached the residence trying to contact her. 

Sparber was arrested without incident.  In addition to the handgun, Sparber was found to be in possession of two empty magazines - one with a 15 round capacity and one with a 20 round capacity.  The fired rounds entered the storm door, front door, and continued through the foyer, and into the kitchen cabinetry and contents. The home suffered approximately $3000 in damages.  

Sparber is being held in the Sumter County Detention Center with no bond and is charged with Armed Burglary, Aggravated Stalking, Shooting Into a Dwelling, and Criminal Mischief.