Sparta man scares off Cub Scouts with sword

Man arrested for recklessly endangering safety

SPARTA, Wis. (WKBT) — Sparta police arrested a 22-year-old man for recklessly endangering safety after he made threatening motions with a sword and yelled at children who knocked on his door.

On October 1, police received a call from the parent of a Cub Scout who was selling popcorn door-to-door. The parent told police three children had walked up and knocked on the door at 616 Walrath St., the residence of Owen S. Reese.

Reese opened the door holding a sword above his head and immediately started yelling at the children, according to Sparta police. Reese made threatening motions toward the children and yelled at them to leave. Sparta police said Reese got within five feet of the children while holding the sword above his head and motioned like he was going to swing it at them.

The parent yelled at the children to get away and they were unharmed.

When police officers made contact with Reese, he came out of his residence holding a sword with both hands at shoulder height. Officers ordered Reese to drop his sword and he complied immediately.

Reese told officers he always answers the door with a sword to protect himself against religious people.

Officers searching the residence found a large number of knives and swords, as well as marijuana and several smoking devices.  Reese was arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail for recklessly endangering safety. He was also cited for drug related offenses.

Pictured: Owen S. Reese