A rural Coffeyville man was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery after shooting three juveniles who were trespassing on his property on Saturday morning, April 17.

Sheriff Robert Dierks said Robert Rench, age 70, of Coffeyville was arrested after shooting a shotgun at three teenage boys who were on his property located south and west of the U.S. 166 overpass on the west side of Coffeyville.

Rench had been contacted by a neighbor about the three juveniles — Jesse Rine, age 15, Hayden Tesh, age 14, and Justin March, age 16 — being on the Rench property.

When Rench arrived, he confronted the boys and fired one shotgun round at them. Buckshot struck Rine and Tesh. March was not injured in the shooting.

Tesh was treated at the scene by Coffeyville EMS and was released at the scene with minor injuries. Rine was transported to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries to his arm, side and leg. He was later released from CRMC.

Dierks said there was no evidence that the boys posed any threat to Mr. Renchm nor were they armed with any type of weapon.

“I can sympathize with people anting to protect their property, but you can’t shoot at unarmed folks just because they are standing on your land,” said Dierks. “Please call the sheriff’s office and have us come out. We’ll be happy to come out and help you, but it is not a good idea to take matters into your own hands.”