Tyre swap ends in embarrassing shooting

A US man has aptly demonstrated why tyres, firearms and alcohol don’t make the most congenial bedfellows. Oregon-based publication the Statesman Journal reports the story of Brandon Butler, who late on the evening of 14 December inspected a set of tyres being sold by an acquaintance, Anthony Catullo. According to the Statesman Journal, rather than offering cash for the tyres, Butler suggested a barter arrangement.

The item presented as a potential trading commodity was a .45-calibre semi-automatic pistol that an allegedly inebriated Butler – the newspaper states that “alcohol was a contributing factor” in the events that transpired – retrieved from his vehicle. Butler handed the gun to Catullo, who inspected the weapon and then returned it to Butler. While discussing the possible trade, Butler attempted to demonstrate how to disassemble the firearm. It was at this point that the semi-automatic gun discharged.

Both men suffered minor injuries and were driven to a nearby hospital by friends. Two witnesses, friends of the pair, report that they didn’t see the shooting as they’d gone to play in the snow. Local police have yet to decide if charges will be laid.