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Charleston County, S.C. jail deputy arrested after drunkenly firing gun, police say


Richard Jurgens (Berkeley County Detention Center){p}{/p}
Richard Jurgens (Berkeley County Detention Center)

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A Charleston County jail deputy has been arrested on weapon charges after police say he drunkenly fired a gun inside his home during an argument with his wife.

Detention Deputy Richard Jurgens of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office was arrested by Hanahan Police Sunday on a charge of unlawfully discharging a firearm.

Hanahan Police were called to the Jurgens' home on Springhill Road shortly before 5:30 p.m. Sunday

Neighbors called 9-1-1 after shouting and cursing throughout the day culminated with the sound of a gunshot coming from the home and Mrs. Jurgens running out onto her back porch in a hysterical state, according to police.

Both Jurgens and his wife say they had been drinking while watching a football game, and that they also had been arguing throughout the day over infidelity in the marriage, police say.

Mrs. Jurgens told police their arguing escalated when Deputy Jurgens removed a gun from a bedside table. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jurgens say that the gun going off was accidental, and happened as Mr. Jurgens was trying to return the gun to the bedside table, police say.

Police say Mr. Jurgens told them "it was a mistake" and it was stupid of him to be handling a weapon while drinking alcohol.

According to police, both Mr. and Mrs. Jurgens were grossly intoxicated, with red, bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech.

Hanahan Police cited Mr. Jurgens for shooting under the influence, and took him to jail.

Jurgens, who has worked for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office since February 2008. has been placed on administrative leave without pay.

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