FORT DODGE, IA — A weekend shooting in Fort Dodge has been officially ruled self-defense after police determined the man who pulled the trigger was facing a violent assault on his own property.
The incident happened just before 2 p.m. on Sunday at a home on the 2200 block of 8th Avenue South. According to authorities, 48-year-old Christopher Kockorsky showed up at the victim’s home and aggressively swung a hacksaw at him twice during the confrontation.
Fearing for his life, the homeowner responded with a single shot, striking Kockorsky in the arm. Officers arrived on the scene and provided first aid before Kockorsky was transported to UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center.
At first, police arrested the shooter—standard procedure in active shooting cases. However, after further investigation and consultation with the Webster County Attorney’s Office, officials determined that the resident had every right to defend himself.
“In this case it was reasonable for the victim to believe that deadly force was necessary to avoid serious injury,” Fort Dodge police said in a press release.
Kockorsky has now been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa law.
Under Iowa’s self-defense statute, individuals are permitted to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent serious injury or death—especially when attacked on their own property.
This case is a clear reminder that law-abiding citizens have the right to defend themselves when threatened with violence, especially in their own homes. The decision not to charge the defender reflects a proper application of Iowa’s self-defense laws.
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Citizens should not be charged with assault if self defense was determined to be the case. It will reduce burden on the courts, law enforcement, and citizens protecting themselves, their families, community, and property. If a person is attacked and within reason use self defense no charges should be brought against the potential victim in the scenario.
The discharge of the gun is only PART of the story. What led up to the confrontation??