Woman Accused of Firing at Neighbor During Fence Dispute After Chilling “3, 2, 1” Countdown

A property dispute between neighbors in Missouri allegedly escalated into a frightening confrontation when a 60-year-old woman reportedly pointed a handgun toward her neighbor and fired a shot after a countdown of “3, 2, 1,” according to police.

Authorities identified the woman as Paula Kohensky, of St. Charles County, near St. Louis. She faces felony charges of first-degree assault or attempted assault and armed criminal action following the October 11, 2026, incident. The confrontation reportedly began while her neighbor was working on a metal fence near the boundary between their properties.

According to court documents, the neighbor had been using an electric grinder to cut a fence post that had been incorrectly positioned. While he was working near ground level, he reportedly heard someone shouting before a voice counted down from three. A gunshot followed, prompting him to retreat toward his garage and ask his wife to contact police.

Kohensky allegedly told investigators that she had gone outside to walk her dog while carrying a handgun. She claimed that she heard a loud metallic noise, noticed sparks near the fence and shouted at her neighbor to stay away from it. She maintained that the gun discharged accidentally. However, investigators reportedly reviewed surveillance footage that appeared to show her pointing the firearm toward the fence before it fired. Police also recovered a spent handgun casing near the location where she was seen standing.

The incident reportedly occurred amid an ongoing dispute over the property line involving both households. Kohensky also told investigators that she believed she had experienced harassment and stalking involving her neighbors. Police said she initially refused to come outside to speak with officers but eventually emerged approximately 30 minutes later.

Kohensky was subsequently charged, and a judge imposed restrictions prohibiting contact with the alleged victim and requiring her to stay at least 500 feet away. She was also ordered not to possess firearms. Court documents did not clearly establish whether the neighbor was physically injured. The case remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Source: Law & Crime | First Alert 4