A Dane County man who allegedly shot his TV and held police at bay for 15 hours was apparently set off by seeing Bristol Palin on “Dancing with the Stars.” Sixty-six-year-old Steven Cowan of rural Black Earth was charged Tuesday with a felony count of second-degree reckless endangerment.
Authorities said Cowan was getting treatment for a mental health problem, and was stressed out by his finances. According to prosecutors, he and his wife were watching “Dancing with the Stars” Monday night when he jumped up-and-down, and got upset that a politician’s daughter made the show without being a good dancer.
Authorities said Cowan demanded his pistols, which his daughter removed a month ago. He did have a shotgun, and he allegedly fired it at the TV and pointed it at his wife. She then left and called 911. Sheriff’s deputies said Cowan kept them at bay from about eight Monday night until 11 Tuesday morning when he surrendered without resisting.
AUDIO: Chandra Lynn-WIBA reports (:50)
UPDATE: Cowan is also an elected official, serving on the Vermont Town Board.