Adams Township, Butler County. Butler Eagle file photo

A Mars man was accused of damaging a neighbor’s home after a bullet and several holes were found in the structure, according to Adams Township police.

Shawn M. Bennett, 51, was charged Sunday, March 17, with felony discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure; misdemeanors reckless endangerment and criminal mischief; and summary disorderly conduct after police said damage was discovered on the outside and inside of a home on Davidson Road.

According to police, the homeowners noticed damage to vinyl fencing around their yard, and reported hearing gunshots two weeks before. The fence had numerous holes, but no bullets or fragments were found, police said.

Investigators interviewed other residents in the area, who said they heard gunshots on several occasions. Police said one witness reported hearing shots throughout an entire day in February.

According to reports, officers were called back to the Davidson Road residence when homeowners discovered bullet holes in the siding, a window frame and two walls. Police said one bullet was found in the basement bathroom and another was discovered in the backyard.

Officers said interviews with residents led them to suspect Bennett’s property was the source of the gunfire. Bennett allowed police to search his property and an empty box of ammo was found in his garage.

Bennett said he had been target practicing with another person aiming at a dirt pile, according to police.

Officers indicated in reports Bennett was remorseful and cooperative during the investigation, even speaking with the owners of the damaged home and offering to pay for repairs.

Police said Bennett also told the homeowners no other guns would be fired on the property.

Bennett’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.