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Deputies: Homeowner shot man in front yard

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2009

Updated: 08/01/2009 01:51 pm

Gregory Allan Stewart

LAND O' LAKES - A homeowner was arrested this morning after shooting a man in his front yard, deputies say.

Gregory A. Stewart II, of 3239 Golden Eagle Drive, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said.

He was released this afternoon from the Pasco County Jail on $20,000 bail, records state.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to a local hospital. He was in serious condition, sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said.

Preliminary information indicates Stewart, 32, heard someone at his door early this morning and confronted a man at the door he did not know and told him leave. The man, who appeared to be confused, returned to the home later, at which time Stewart shot him in the chest while the man was in the front yard, the sheriff's office said.

"The shooting victim did not make any threatening comments or action toward the shooter," Doll said. "We are not sure when the first contact was made. The shooter called 911 after the shooting."

Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, people don't have to exhaust all avenues of retreat before using deadly force to defend themselves against an aggressor.

In addition, the state's so-called "Castle Doctrine" allows people to defend themselves if threatened in their homes.

In July, a 72-year-old Tampa man fatally shot a 37-year-old man he said was trying to break into his apartment, police said.

The victim's family, however, said he was outside the apartment trying to spread the word of God.

Investigators are awaiting toxicology results before determining whether the shooting was justified.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 731-8161.

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