MADISON, Maine (AP) — A man with a realistic-looking tattoo of a gun on his stomach had the real thing tucked into his waistband when he was arrested, police said.
Police told the Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1p2LHWq ) that 41-year-old Michael Smith, of Norridgewock, showed up at a sheriff’s deputy’s home Thursday night. He was crying and had been drinking, authorities said.
Smith told police he had a fight with his ex-girlfriend and had stolen prescription narcotics from her, authorities said.
He was charged with stealing drugs, and his gun was confiscated. He was released from jail on $1,000 bail. His phone has been disconnected, and he couldn’t be reached for comment.
Madison police Officer Eric Bronson said Smith was carrying a .40-caliber Glock but isn’t facing any gun charges because Maine is an open-carry state and his weapon was visible.
Smith’s next court date is Aug. 6.
Smith made headlines in March when members of a tree removal crew he’d told to clear off his property reported that he had a gun. But the gun turned out to be his tattoo.
He told the newspaper then that the tattoo had never been a problem before. He wasn’t charged in that case.
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