infoFlorida man arrested after brandishing AK-47 and firing warning shot at census worker

Florida man arrested after brandishing AK-47 and firing warning shot at census worker

Michael Cooper, 32, is accused of threatening census taker Johnny Swinney.

Neighbors said Swinney was wearing a U.S. Census Bureau badge which was clearly identifiable on the lanyard around his neck, identified himself as a federal worker, and his marked vehicle was marked out front indicating he had come for the nationwide count of every U.S. resident.

Cooper reportedly yelled at Swinney to leave, went into his home, and returned with the weapon. He loaded the chamber and Swinney returned to his vehicle, where his wife was, when they heard Cooper discharge his AK-47.

Cooper told deputies that Swinney was trespassing and that he didn't see an identification badge. He said he shot a round into the ground because he didn't want to leave it in the chamber.