An 87-year-old Rockmart man faces criminal charges after allegedly shooting at dogs attacking his chickens.

Otis Eugene Sigers, 87, of 440 Sciple St., Rockmart, was arrested Nov. 14 on charges of pointing or aiming a gun or pistol at another, discharging a gun or pistol on or near a public highway or street, cruelty to animals in the second degree and cruelty to children in the third degree.

Sigers, who family and police confirmed has never been arrested before, was booked at the Polk County Jail but was released on bond to his son immediately because of health issues.

According to Rockmart Police Department reports, police were called out to Sciple Street around 8:18 a.m. The reporting officer, Staff Sgt. Stephanie Jarrell, said she heard a shot fired from behind Sigers’ house when she pulled up.

Sigers was seen walking to his house holding a shotgun Jarrell said she called out to Sigers, but he didn’t answer. Jarrell and two other officers drew their weapons when the elderly man did not immediately respond.

Reports state the elderly man had to be told several times to put the gun down. Siger set it on the back porch and sat down beside it.

Jarrell move the gun away, handcuffed Sigers and then started questioning him, according to reports.

Sigers said dogs had gotten into his chicken coop and killed his chickens, so he shot them.

Officers took Sigers Remington 12-gauge double barrel shotgun, which was a family heirloom belonging to Sigers’ father, and the shells. However, reports state the gun was released to Sigers’ son.

A neighbor also claimed Sigers pointed his shotgun at him when he tried to remove the dogs. A young child reportedly was outside in the neighbor’s yard when the incident happened.