Deputies Disarm Rifle-Toting Man In Western Md.

GRANTSVILLE, Md. (AP) -- The Garrett County Sheriff's Office says deputies have disarmed a man who confronted them with a loaded rifle outside his Grantsville home.

The agency says Jason Beitzel, 27, was taken to Garrett Memorial Hospital for a psychological evaluation after
his arrest early Tuesday morning. He faces charges of assault and reckless endangerment.

Deputies were called to the home shortly after 1 a.m. in reference to a mental-health subject. They observed Beitzel sitting inside, armed with a rifle.

They say Beitzel exited the home still armed and refused to drop the weapon. Instead, he loaded it and moved toward the deputies in an aggressive manner.

The sheriff's office says the deputies used minimal force to take Beitzel into custody.

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