Published: June 29, 2009 05:53 pm      

POLICE BEAT: Firearm's discharge leads to arrest

A Live Oak man told officers the .38 revolver he was arrested for carrying went off accidentally Friday, but police say otherwise.

Officers responded to Scriven Avenue late Friday night and observed Ketchen and another person were walking together, according to Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams. Upon investigation it was reportedly determined that Ketchen fired a shot into the air. Williams said Ketchen denied firing the pistol and called the discharge an "accidental misfire." Williams said evidence showed otherwise, however.

Ketchen further stated that someone made threats against his life, according to Williams. Williams it is not known who made the threats. Williams also said the recovered revolver had five live rounds in the chamber and one fired shell.

Ketchen was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in public. He was transported to the Suwannee County Jail.