An Alabama man was taken into custody late Monday night at Brown County State Park after police say he pointed a gun at officers who were attempting to check on his welfare.
Larry Stearley, 77, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, was in one of the family cabins in the park, conservation officers reported in a news release.
Stearley’s daughter had called police after receiving disturbing texts from him.
Stearley came to the cabin door and pointed a gun at the officers, the news release said. One shot was fired by an officer as the officers left the porch and took cover in the woods, the release said.
Conservation officers maintained communications with Stearley while waiting for backup from Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Nashville Police Department. Later, when Stearley left the cabin and it was clear he no longer had the gun, officers took him into custody, the release said.
Stearley was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for evaluation.
The Brown County prosecutor’s office will determine possible charges against Stearley, including but not limited to pointing a firearm at a person and resisting arrest, the news release said.
